Construction of Robust Bio‐nanotubes using the Controlled Self‐Assembly of Component Proteins of Bacteriophage T4

Abstract

The synthesis of a robust bio-nanotube consisting of the β-helical tubular component proteins of bacteriophage T4 is described. The crystal structure indicates that it has a well-defined nanoscale length of 10 nm as a result of the head-to-head dimerization of β-helices. Surprisingly, the tube assembly has high thermal stability, high tolerance to organic solvents, and a wide pH-stability range. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.