Small · 2010 · 43 citations · 51 references
Life SciencesBioengineeringBiotechnologyNanobiotechnologyNanomaterialsStructural BiologyMacromolecular AssemblyMacromolecular StructureNanotubesProtein StructureProtein-based BiomaterialsProtein-based NanomaterialsNanotube SynthesisPh StabilityPh-dependent StabilityProtein NanostructuresProtein NanotubesResistance To Organic SolventsThermal Stability
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.
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