Formation of Two-Dimensional Crystals of Membrane-Anchored and Water-Soluble Proteins

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe formation of two-dimensional (2-D) crystals of biological macromolecules is of interest for nanotechnological applications. Protein 2-D crystals may be used as molecular sieves and/or support devices as components of biosensors etc. [1]. Functionally specialized 2-D crystals, containing transport or catalytic proteins, provide a certain function in a highly efficient and vectorial manner. Future developments may allow the design of more complex structures such as multilayers made from different proteins or arrays of functionally linked oligo- or multimeric complexes consisting of multiple protein species [2]. Regular 2-D arrays, either truely crystalline or densely packed molecules, are one of the basic structures taht might be used to construct more sophisticated protein-based devices. 2-D crystals have some interesting features: