Self assembling proteins as matrix for the construction of optical devices

Self-assembling biomolecules are widespread in nature and attractive for technical purposes due to their size and highly ordered structures in nanometer range. Surface-layer (S-layer) proteins are one of those self-assembling molecules and their chemical and structural properties make them quite attractive for nanotechnical purposes. They possess a high content of functional groups so a sequential coupling of functional devices is possible and their ability to self assemble in aqueous solutions or on surfaces, e. g. SiO2 wafers, qualifies them for nanotechnical applications. In this work, first experiments were done in order to construct a sensory device containing S-layer proteins as matrix to bind optical elements and analytes for detection of specific substances. The S-layer proteins were isolated from the Lysinibacillus sphaericus strain JG-A12 recovered from a uranium mining waste pile in Germany. As optical elements fluorescent dyes or quantum dots can be used. Three different fluorescent dyes which are able to perform a Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) were used and coupled to the S-layer proteins. As receptor molecule aptamers were chosen due to their high specifity and stability towards many chemicals. Aptamers are short oligonucleotides which are able to bind specific molecules via their three dimensional structure. In this work, a model aptamer was used that is specific towards human thrombin. The aim was to construct a sensor system which is able to detect specific substances in very low concentration ranges in aqueous solutions.