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Protein Encapsulation |
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What is Protein
encapsulation? Protein encapsulation is an environmentally
friendly biomemetic approach for the production of monodispersed nanophase
materials. Biomemetic refers
to the mimicking of biological processes.
The technology (U.S. patent 6,180,389) utilizes genetically
engineered self-replicating proteins as nanoscale “scaffolding” for
the manufacture of engineered material systems.
The proteins (ferritin and virus capsids) assemble in structural
cages similar in appearance to a soccer ball with 128 facets.
The proteins are produced with an electrostatic charge, which is
used as a means to secure selective molecules to the protein cage.
Molecules can be attached to either the inside or outside of the cage.
The manufacture process culminates in the formation of identical spheres
of the desired material. The protein system is then removed leaving
nanoscale spheres of the product suspended in solution.
Nanomaterials produced by this technique have included titanium dioxide,
europium oxide, manganese oxide, copper, copper sulfide, manganese oxide,
gold, palladium, platinum and iron oxide. Product development
includes materials for electronic and catalytic applications.
This technology is being developed in partnership with Professor
Mark Young and Professor Trevor Douglas of Montana State University.
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