Peptides and proteins are widely used in nature to direct the growth of various inorganic structures including bones and shells, as well as nanoparticles of controlled geometry, in a process called biomineralization. Of particular interest, many organisms use the globular protein ferritin for iron storage by coordinating the growth of iron oxide nanoparticles and constraining their size to a narrow distribution. This study aims to reproduce this process of controlled nanoparticle growth using a much simpler, engineered peptide. This peptide is incorporated into polyelectrolyte complex micelles, allowing for solubilization of the nanoparticles and preventing their aggregation. These nanoparticle-containing micelles could in turn have applications for nanodevices, due to the magnetic properties and controlled geometry of the nanoparticles.

Biomimetic, peptide-directed synthesis of size-controlled iron oxide nanoparticles

2019 Spring National Meeting

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