Advanced composite materials made out of graphene oxide and proteins: potential applications in nano biotechnology

Rodolfo IPPOLITI, Università degli Studi dell'Aquila

This presentation will explain the procedures of production and characterization of a composite material made of graphene oxide and a protein called Prx (Peroxiredoxin) obtained in recombinant form from the corresponding gene sequence of the parasite Schistosoma mansoni. This protein has a decameric ring three-dimensional structure, with two surfaces with partially hydrophobic features and equivalent on both sides of the ring. Exploiting these adhesion surfaces, it was possible to create a material that takes on 3D features in which sheets of graphene oxide are stacked using the protein as a spacer. Furthermore, by engineering the same protein, it was possible to create regions of adhesion to metals such as gold and palladium, both in ionic form and in nanoparticle form. This protein, suitably engineered, is also capable of forming nanotubes, which can be exploited to make composite materials with further potential of use both in the field of chemical catalysis and in that of biocompatible materials.

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