Precise protein assembly of array structures

Abstract

The assembly of proteins into various nano-objects with regular and periodic microstructures, i.e. protein arrays, is a fast-growing field in materials science. Due to the structural complexity of proteins, reports in this field are still quite limited. In this review, we summarize the recent developments in protein array construction by different driving forces, including electrostatic interactions, metal–ligand interactions, molecular recognition and protein–protein interactions. In line with our particular interest, assemblies driven by molecular recognition are particularly explored. Finally, functionalities of the obtained protein arrays are briefly discussed.