Nanobiotechnology

About: Nanobiotechnology is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 796 publications have been published within this topic receiving 46309 citations. The topic is also known as: bionanotechnology & nanobiology.

Advancement of Peptide Nanobiotechnology via Emerging Microfluidic Technology.

Abstract: Peptide nanotechnology has experienced a long and enduring development since its inception. Many different applications have been conceptualized, which depends on the functional groups present on the peptide and the physical shape/size of the peptide nanostructures. One of the most prominent nanostructures formed by peptides are nanoparticles. Until recently, however, it has been challenging to engineer peptide nanoparticles with low dispersity. An emerging and promising technique involves the utility of microfluidics to produce a solution of peptide nanoparticles with narrow dispersity. In this process, two or more streams of liquid are focused together to create conditions that are conducive towards the formation of narrowly dispersed samples of peptide nanoparticles. This makes it possible to harness peptide nanoparticles for the myriad of applications that are dependent on nanoparticle size and uniformity. In this focus review, we aim to show how microfluidics may be utilized to (1) study peptide self-assembly, which is critical to controlling nanostructure shape and size, and peptide-interface interactions, and (2) generate self-assembling peptide-based microgels for miniaturized cell cultures. These examples will illustrate how the emerging microfluidic approach promises to revolutionize the production and application of peptide nanoparticles in ever more diverse fields than before.

Prokaryotic Cell Wall Components: Structure and Biochemistry

Abstract: Crystalline bacterial cell surface layers (S-layers) are key structural components of many bacterial and archaeal cell envelopes. The broad application potential of S-layers in nanobiotechnology is based on specific intrinsic features of the monomolecular arrays which can be split into their constituting subunits and reassembled in suspension or on suitable surfaces (e.g., polymers, metals, silicon wafers) or interfaces (e.g., lipid films, liposomes). S-layers also represent a unique structural basis and patterning element for generating more complex supramolecular structures involving all major classes of biological molecules. Thus, S-layers fulfil key requirements as building blocks and patterning elements for the production of new supramolecular materials and nanoscale devices as required in molecular nanotechnology, nanobiotechnology and biomimetics.

S-Layers, Microbial, Biotechnological Applications

Abstract: Crystalline bacterial cell surface layers (S-layers), a unique self-assembly system optimized during billions of years of biological evolution, are one of the most commonly observed cell, envelope structures of prokaryotes. Although self-assembly of molecules is an ubiquitous strategy of morphogenesis in nature, research in the area of molecular nanotechnology, nanobiotechnology, and biomimetics are only beginning to exploit its potential for the functionalization of surfaces and interfaces as well as for the production of biomimetic membranes and encapsulation systems. In this context, S-layers fulfill key requirements for controlled assembly of supramolecular materials. As S-layers are periodic structures, they exhibit identical physicochemical properties for each molecular unit down to the subnanometer level and possess pores of identical size and morphology. Many applications in nanobiotechnology depend on the ability of isolated native S-layer proteins and S-layer fusion proteins incorporating functional sequences to self-assemble into monomolecular crystalline arrays in suspension, on a great variety of solid substrates, and on various lipid structures, including planar membranes and liposomes. S-Layers have proven to be particularly suited as building blocks and patterning elements in a biomolecular construction kit involving all major classes of biological molecules enabling innovative approaches for the controlled ‘bottom-up’ assembly of functional supramolecular structures and devices as required for life- and nonlife science applications. Keywords: crystalline surface layers; S-layers; S-layer fusion proteins; S-layer neoglycoproteins; self-assembly; bottom-up strategy; nanobiotechnology; molecular construction kit

Self-assembly of functionalized spherical nanoparticles on chemically patterned microstructures

Abstract: The production of hierarchical nanopatterns (using a top-down microfabrication approach combined with a subsequent bottom-up self-assembly process) will be an important tool in many research areas. We report the fabrication of silica nanoparticle arrays on lithographically pre-patterned substrates suitable for applications in the field of nanobiotechnology. Two different approaches to reach this goal are presented and discussed: in the first approach, we use capillary forces to self-assemble silica nanoparticles on a wettability contrast pattern by controlled drying and evaporation. This allows the efficient patterning of a variety of nanoparticle systems and—under certain conditions—leads to the formation of novel branched structures of colloidal lines, that might help to elucidate the formation process of these nanoparticle arrays. The second approach uses a recently developed chemical patterning method that allows for the selective immobilization of functionalized sub-100 nm particles at distinct locations on the surface. In addition, it is shown how these nanocolloidal micro-arrays offer the potential to increase the sensitivity of existing biosensing devices. The well-defined surface chemistry (of particle and substrate) and the increased surface area at the microspots, where the nanoparticles self-assemble, make this patterning method an interesting candidate for micro-array biosensing.