ß-barrel Channel Proteins as Tools in Nanotechnology, 2014 Biology, Basic Science and Advanced Applications Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology Series, Vol. 794

ß-barrel outer membrane channel proteins (OMP) are useful as robust and flexible models or components in nanotechnology. Over the last decade biotechnological techniques allowed to expand the natural characteristics of OMPs by modifying their geometry and properties. The present book is oriented towards a broad group of readers including graduate students and advanced researchers. It gives a general introduction to the field of OMP based nano-component development as well as the state of the art of the involved research. On the example of the E. coli FhuA the transformation of an OMP into a tailored nano-channel will be outlined. An exhaustive description of the scientific strategy, including protein selection, analytical methods and ?in-silico? tools to support the planning of protein modifications for a targeted application, consideration on the production of a custom made OMP, and an overview on technological applications including membrane/polymersome technology, will be provided.

Preface.- Introduction.- Biology.- Biophysical Characterization.- Theoretical Considerations and Computational Tools.- Biotechnology.- Technological Applications.- Final Considerations. Index.

Gives a comprehensible report on how to use beta-barrel membrane proteins as nano-material components (including all involved steps) Is useful for both experimentalists and theoreticians that want to expand their knowledge toward the rapidly expanding field of membrane protein based bio-nanotechnology Includes a chapter with "wet-lab" information on the beta-barrel membrane protein production (including trouble shootings and suggestions)