Nanoarchitectonics Based on S-layer Proteins: Design of Noble Metal Nanoparticle Arrangements and Nanostructured Materials

Abstract

Nanoarchitectonics based on molecules of biological origin or bio-active components for the creation of hierarchical systems with tailored structures and properties is an area of growing interest. Thus, the S-layer proteins isolated from Bacteria and Archaea emerge as promising building blocks for the design of new structures given their unique characteristics. Due to the presence of well-defined reaction sites in S-layer protein self-assembled structures both in dispersion and on different surfaces, it is possible to use them for the preparation of metallic nanoparticles. This chapter presents the most relevant aspects of S-layer proteins with particular attention to their use through different strategies for the preparation of arrangements of metallic nanoparticles and nanostructured systems containing metallic nanoparticles for various applications.