Publications by authors named "Fatima A Davila-Hernandez"
Article Synopsis
- Wooden house frames use simple geometric shapes for construction, while designing protein assemblies is more complex due to their irregular structures.
- This research introduces extendable protein building blocks that follow specific geometric standards, allowing for modular assembly that can be adjusted in size and shape.
- The team validates their protein nanomaterial designs through advanced imaging techniques, making it possible to construct large protein assemblies using straightforward architectural blueprints.
Biomolecules modulate inorganic crystallization to generate hierarchically structured biominerals, but the atomic structure of the organic-inorganic interfaces that regulate mineralization remain largely unknown. We hypothesized that heterogeneous nucleation of calcium carbonate could be achieved by a structured flat molecular template that pre-organizes calcium ions on its surface. To test this hypothesis, we design helical repeat proteins (DHRs) displaying regularly spaced carboxylate arrays on their surfaces and find that both protein monomers and protein-Ca supramolecular assemblies directly nucleate nano-calcite with non-natural {110} or {202} faces while vaterite, which forms first in the absence of the proteins, is bypassed.
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- The text discusses the construction of protein assemblies using extendable building blocks that follow specific geometric rules, similar to how a wooden house frame is built from regular lumber pieces.
- It highlights the development and validation of various protein designs, from simple shapes to complex nanostructures, using techniques like X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy.
- This approach allows for the deliberate assembly of large protein structures onto a 3D canvas, overcoming previous challenges related to the irregularity of protein shapes, and enables easier design of protein nanomaterials.