Surface assisted self-assembly of designed helix repeated protein

Surface assisted self-assembly is a promising way to synthesize hierarchical biomaterials in nature. For instance, membrane proteins can form channels on cell-membrane to transport ions, small molecules and macromolecules. In another example, S-layer protein self-assembles on cell envelop of bacteria to mechanically and osmotically stabilize cells. In this work, we used in-situ high-resolution and high-speed atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study the dynamic behaviors and self-assembly structures of designed helix repeated protein[1] on mineral surface in electrolyte. We discussed the roles of surface charge, hydration layer, cations, and entropy to protein dynamics at solid-liquid interface. The work is helpful to summarize the general model to describe surface assisted self-assembly of hierarchical biomaterials. It also inspires strategies to create artificial bio-mimetic materials with various applications.
1. Brunette, T.J., et al., Exploring the repeat protein universe through computational protein design. Nature, 2015. 528(7583): p. 580-584.