Proteins have diverse functional groups, which enable them to impact an array of applications. De novo designed proteins enable the precise placement of these functional groups in three-dimensional space. In this research, we are leveraging that capability to develop proteins that direct the nucleation and growth of inorganic phases to form complex hierarchical nanostructures. Beyond achieving that end, leveraging strict control of chemical moieties in building blocks and designing charged template proteins can enable insight into the mechanism of mineralization. In this work, small protein oligomers with D3 symmetry which present a favorable surface for nucleation are employed as templates. Surface display patterns of carboxylic acids and amines on these proteins are shown to direct nucleation of titanium oxides from the precursor titanium(IV) bis(ammonium lactate)dihydroxide (TiBALDH) in solution at room temperature. We demonstrate the influence that sequence can have on the phase of nucleated titania as well as the spatial control over nucleation that we can leverage using homo oligomeric de novo protein assemblies. We use the results to deduce the mechanism of growth and phase as influenced by the proteins. The understanding gained about the effects that the spatial presentation of different amino acid moieties has on the nucleated crystal phase and structure will facilitate the intentional design of self-assembled inorganic materials.

De novo designed protein templates for directing mineralization of titanium oxides nanoparticles

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.