Assembly of Matryoshka-Type Protein Nanocages for Compartmentalized Oxygen Sensing

IF 9.6 1区材料科学 Q1 CHEMISTRY, MULTIDISCIPLINARY Nano Letters Pub Date : 2025-03-10 DOI:10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c06699

Wei Zhou, Shaojie Ma, Ruimin Gao, Yufu Tang, Hui Zhang, Ao Liang, Mengsi Yang, Chun Ma, Quli Fan, Xian-En Zhang, Feng Li

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Abstract

Oxygen permeability is a critical property of protein nanocages (PNCs) that impacts or dictates the functions of PNCs. However, it remains challenging to determine it experimentally. Here, we report compartmentalized oxygen sensing inside PNCs by assembling matryoshka-type structures through interfacial engineering, namely, one PNC containing another smaller one functionalized with small-molecule oxygen probes. Oxygen in the lumen of the outer PNCs can be probed conveniently via phosphorescence spectrometry. This method enabled the analysis of two representative PNCs, MS2 virus-like particles and Thermotoga maritima encapsulin, revealing the former is oxygen permeable, while the latter is oxygen impermeable. This study establishes a general approach for measuring the oxygen permeability of PNC shells, which can provide an experimental basis for understanding the working mechanisms of PNCs and inspire applications like oxygen-sensitive or oxygen-responsive sensing, catalysis, and delivery. Also, the tunable nested PNCs may serve as platforms for designing hierarchical or compartmentalized devices or organelles.

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来源期刊

Nano Letters 工程技术-材料科学：综合

CiteScore

16.80

自引率

2.80%

发文量

1182

审稿时长

1.4 months

期刊介绍： Nano Letters serves as a dynamic platform for promptly disseminating original results in fundamental, applied, and emerging research across all facets of nanoscience and nanotechnology. A pivotal criterion for inclusion within Nano Letters is the convergence of at least two different areas or disciplines, ensuring a rich interdisciplinary scope. The journal is dedicated to fostering exploration in diverse areas, including: - Experimental and theoretical findings on physical, chemical, and biological phenomena at the nanoscale - Synthesis, characterization, and processing of organic, inorganic, polymer, and hybrid nanomaterials through physical, chemical, and biological methodologies - Modeling and simulation of synthetic, assembly, and interaction processes - Realization of integrated nanostructures and nano-engineered devices exhibiting advanced performance - Applications of nanoscale materials in living and environmental systems Nano Letters is committed to advancing and showcasing groundbreaking research that intersects various domains, fostering innovation and collaboration in the ever-evolving field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.