Nanoscale Curvature Influences Protein Structure and Function

The first in-depth analysis of the effect of nanomaterial size on protein structure and function has been performed, wherein the size and associated curvature of silica nanoparticles and single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were found to strongly control the structure and resulting catalytic activity of several enzymes (Dordick, Siegel, Kane). Accordingly, a novel hypothesis has been advanced wherein the unique curvature of nanomaterials, which are on a size scale similar to biological molecules, strongly stabilizes protein structure and function. This curvature appears to disfavor lateral protein-protein interactions, which often cause microaggregation and deactivation. The ability to enhance protein function by interfacing them with nanoscale materials will have a profound impact on applications ranging from biosensing, diagnostics, vaccines, drug delivery, and biochips, to novel hybrid materials that integrate biotic and abiotic components.