Dimensional Coupling in Synergistic Bio-Nano Growth Systems

Abstract

The growth of hybrid nanostructures composed of inorganic materials and biomolecules has garnered significant attention due to their potential applications across diverse fields. However, the mutual competition mechanisms at the bio-nano interface, particularly from the perspective of dimensional evolution, have been seldom explored. Herein, we ascertain a distinct dimensional evolution by establishing a synergistic growth model system that hybridizes protein fibrils and gold nanostructures. Specifically, ionic gold precursors increase in dimension from zero to three dimensions, while amyloid proteins conversely decrease from three to one dimension. This dimensional evolution has important implications for reducing the bio-nano interface and potentially limiting harmful coupling between biomolecules and inorganic nanomaterials, despite the fact that they can act as templates or scaffolds for each other to promote dimensional evolution. The findings highlight the potential of these hybrid systems in biomedical applications, such as targeted drug delivery and bioimaging, by leveraging the unique dimensional coupling between proteins and gold nanostructures. This work provides insights into the complex bio-nano interactions between organisms and inorganic materials, emphasizing the need for precise and rational design of bio-nano systems suitable for clinical applications.