S-Layers as a basic building block in a molecular construction kit.

摘要: Crystalline arrays of protein or glycoprotein subunits forming surface layers (S-layers) are the most common outermost envelope components prokaryotic organisms (archaea and bacteria). The wealth information on structure, chemistry, genetics, morphogenesis, function S-layers has revealed a broad application potential. As periodic structures, they exhibit identical physicochemical properties for each molecular unit down to subnanometer level possess pores size morphology. Many applications in nanobiotechnology depend ability isolated recrystallize into monomolecular lattices suspension suitable surfaces interfaces. S-Layer can be exploited as scaffolding patterning elements generating more complex supramolecular assemblies required life nonlife science applications.