Controlled assembly of protein-nanoparticle composites through protein surface recognition

Controlled assembly of protein-nanoparticle composites through complementary protein surface recognition is demonstrated. Interaction of an unstable protein (chymotrypsin) with a gold nanoparticle results in close inter-particle spacing, while a stable protein (cytochrome C) that retains its structure upon binding produces a hybrid material with a larger interparticle distance (see Figure).