Hybrid Architectures at the Nanoscale: Constructing Materials through Electrostatic Interactions

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Volume Title

School of Chemical Technology | Doctoral thesis (article-based) | Defence date: 2023-11-10

Date

2023

Major/Subject

Mcode

Degree programme

Language

en

Pages

88 + app. 96

Series

Aalto University publication series DOCTORAL THESES, 186/2023

Abstract

Nature's intricate biomolecular assemblies inspire crafting nano- and microscale functional materials. Comprising nucleotides, amino acids, and saccharides, these structures orchestrate cellular functions with precision. Replicating this complexity artificially is challenging, but nanoscale techniques, especially nature-mimicking self-assembly, offer atomic-level precision through non-covalent interactions. Electrostatic self-assembly stands out for versatility, enabling diverse functional materials. This reversible process facilitates the exact arrangement of charged components. Moreover, the utilization of biomolecule-based materials as building blocks in nanomaterials presents a promising avenue, leading to the development of highly biocompatible functional systems. This convergence of principles is exemplified in this thesis, which demonstrates how functional and self-assembling biohybrid materials can be constructed precisely by synergistically combining DNA origami and protein cages with molecular glues. Thus, Publication I opens the study by designing hybrid bundles, uniting cationic dyes like zinc phthalocyanine with negatively charged DNA origami. This synergy enhances optical properties and stability, effectively showcasing the potential of electrostatic self-assembly in customizing material traits. Publication II extends the study by introducing Janus-type phthalocyanines with two different DNA origami structures, resulting in optically active biohybrids resistant to aggregation. This underscores the role of ionic strength in self-assembly and disassembly processes, deepening the insights into biohybrid material formation. Publication III delves into crystalline assemblies, harnessing electrostatic self-assembly of pillar[5]arene with apoferritin, unveiling promising prospects for water remediation. This endeavor highlights the versatile capabilities of biomolecular self-assembly in addressing pressing environmental challenges. Publication IV demonstrates the formation of protein-protein co-crystals involving cationic fluorescent protein and negatively charged apoferritin, thereby showcasing robust optical properties with potential applications in biological light-emitting diodes. In summation, the collective body of work presented in this thesis underscores the potential of electrostatic self-assembly in crafting intricate biohybrid materials. These findings provide understanding of electrostatic self-assembly, establishing a path for preparing cutting-edge nanomaterials with applications in nanomedicine, optoelectronics, and water treatment. This research effectively links intricate biomolecular assemblies and synthetic constructs, potentially finding utility in novel solutions across multifarious sectors.

Description

Supervising professor

Kostiainen, Mauri A., Prof., Aalto University, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Finland

Thesis advisor

Anaya-Plaza Eduardo, Dr., Aalto University, Finland

Keywords

protein cages, DNA origami, electrostatic interaction, self-assembly

Other note

Parts

  • [Publication 1]: Ahmed Shaukat, Eduardo Anaya-Plaza, Sofia Julin, Veikko Linko, Tomas Torres, Andrés de la Escosura and Mauri A. Kostiainen. Phthalocyanine–DNA Origami Complexes with Enhanced Stability and Optical Properties. Chemical Communications, 2020, 56, 7341–7344.
    Full text in Acris/Aaltodoc: http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202008064483
    DOI: 10.1039/D0CC01916J View at publisher
  • [Publication 2]: Asma Rahali, Ahmed Shaukat, Verónica Almeida-Marrero, Bassem Jamoussi, Andrés de la Escosura, Tomás Torres, Mauri A. Kostiainen, Eduardo Anaya-Plaza. A Janus-Type Phthalocyanine for The Assembly of Photoactive DNA Origami Coatings. Bioconjugate Chemistry, 2021, 6, 1123–1129.
    Full text in Acris/Aaltodoc: http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202108048141
    DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00176 View at publisher
  • [Publication 3]: Ahmed Shaukat, Eduardo Anaya-Plaza, Ngong Kodiah Beyeh, Mauri A. Kostiainen. Simultaneous Organic and Inorganic Host‐Guest Chemistry within Pillararene‐Protein Cage Frameworks. Chemistry–A European Journal. 2022, 19, e202104341.
    Full text in Acris/Aaltodoc: http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202202161933
    DOI: 10.1002/chem.202104341 View at publisher
  • [Publication 4]: Marta Patrian, Ahmed Shaukat, Mattia Nieddu, Jesús A. Banda-Vázquez, Jaakko V. I. Timonen, JP Fuenzalida-Werner, Eduardo Anaya‐Plaza, Mauri A. Kostiainen, and Rubén D. Costa. Supercharged Fluorescent Protein-Apoferritin Cocrystals for Lighting Applications. 2023, accepted in ACS Nano

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