A Korean research team found a three-dimensional structure of a fullerene-protein (COP) composite by using a self-assembly protein.
On June 6th, Dr. Yongho Kim, a professor at Sungkyungwan University, announced that he made a fullerene-protein (COP) composite crystallize by using a ¡®de novo protein design¡¯ which created a protein with a new structure that has not existed before.
This composite shows that it is possible for fullerene to be a regular arrangement with a self-assembled protein and can change into conductive crystal. Fullerene is a ball-shaped molecule composed of over 60 strongly connected carbon atoms. It is a representative nanomaterial that has many uses such as lubricants, catalysts for industrial use, and medical supplies. It can also be used to aid in treatment of diseases like Alzheimer¡¯s as well as in medical parts related to free radicals. However, there is difficulty using it because it does not dissolve into water well and there is a self-gathering phenomenon.
Mr. Kim¡¯s team discovered a high-resolution three-dimensional fullerene-protein (COP) composite with X-ray crystallography that indicates molecule-level structure for the first time in the world. This technique analyzes an X-ray diffraction pattern of protein crystals to reveal high-resolution three-dimensional structures at the molecular level with a calculation of phase information and an electron-density map.
Prof. Kim said, ¡°I suggested the first model which arranges fullerene regularly into a protein design. It is expected to be used in an important technique to develop new conductive materials based on protein and novel biomaterial.¡±
The results of the study were published in Nature Communications along with Nature Scientific Journal¡¯s online edition on April 27th.
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