Two-Dimensional Protein Crystallization

Molecular Nanotechnology and Nanobiotechnology with Two-Dimensional Protein Crystals (S-Layers)... 

In this chapter we describe the basic principles involved in the controlled production and modification of two-dimensional protein crystals. These are synthesized in nature as the outermost cell surface layer (S-layer) of prokaryotic organisms and have been successfully applied as basic building blocks in a biomolecular construction kit. Most importantly, the constituent subunits of the S-layer lattices have the capability to recrystallize into iso-porous closed monolayers in suspension, at liquid-surface interfaces, on lipid films, on liposomes, and on solid supports (e.g., silicon wafers, metals, and polymers). The self-assembled monomolecular lattices have been utilized for the immobilization of functional biomolecules in an ordered fashion and for their controlled confinement in defined areas of nanometer dimension. Thus, S-layers fulfill key requirements for the development of new supramolecular materials and enable the design of a broad spectrum of nanoscale devices, as required in molecular nanotechnology, nanobiotechnology, and biomimetics [1-3]. 

T. L. Calvert and D. Leckband, Two-dimensional protein crystallization at solid-liquid interfaces, Langmuir 13, 6737-6745 (1997). 

Sara M, Sleytr UB (1988) Membrane biotechnology two-dimensional protein crystals for ultrafiltration purposes. In Rehm H-J, Reed G (eds) Biotechnology, vol 6 b. VCH, Weinheim,pp 615-636... 

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