October 5, 2018
Keio University
Shinshu University
A research group including Assistant Professor Norifumi Kawakami and Professor Kenji Miyamoto of Keio University’s Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology and Associate Professor Ryoichi Arai of Shinshu University’s Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology successfully constructed a soccer ball-shaped protein nanoparticle designated "TIP60" through self-assembly of building block protein molecules. TIP60 is a homogeneous hollow spherical supramolecule designed to have a diameter of about 22 nm. It was found that small organic compounds could be introduced into the internal cavity of TIP60 and that TIP60s could be further aggregated to create a larger structure. This achievement is expected to contribute to developments in nanotechnology through its application as drug-delivery nanocapsules or nanoblocks for creating nanomaterials with new structures.
The outcomes of this research were published in the September 17 issue ofAngewandte Chemie International Edition.
For further information, please refer to the following PDF file.