Templated Nanocrystal Assembly on Biodynamic Artificial Microtubule Asters
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- 作者：Erik D. Spoerke ; Andrew K. Boal ; George D. Bachand ; Bruce C. Bunker
- 刊名：ACS Nano
- 出版年：2013
- 出版时间：March 26, 2013
- 年：2013
- 卷：7
- 期：3
- 页码：2012-2019
- 全文大小：453K
- 年卷期：v.7,no.3(March 26, 2013)
- ISSN：1936-086X
文摘
Microtubules (MTs) and the MT-associated proteins (MAPs) are critical cooperative agents involved in complex nanoassembly processes in biological systems. These biological materials and processes serve as important inspiration in developing new strategies for the assembly of synthetic nanomaterials in emerging techologies. Here, we explore a dynamic biofabrication process, modeled after the form and function of natural aster-like MT assemblies such as centrosomes. Specifically, we exploit the cooperative assembly of MTs and MAPs to form artificial microtubule asters and demonstrate that (1) these three-dimensional biomimetic microtubule asters can be controllably, reversibly assembled and (2) they serve as unique, dynamic biotemplates for the organization of secondary nanomaterials. We describe the MAP-mediated assembly and growth of functionalized MTs onto synthetic particles, the dynamic character of the assembled asters, and the application of these structures as templates for three-dimensional nanocrystal organization across multiple length scales. This biomediated nanomaterials assembly strategy illuminates a promising new pathway toward next-generation nanocomposite development.