Nanoparticles-Based Hybrid Systems: Nanotechnology and Protein Engineering

Lara ABC Carneiro

Abstract

The use of nanoparticles has been extensively exploited in biotechnology, materials, nanoelectronics, cancer therapy and imaging, environment and biofuel industry areas. The unique properties of the nanoparticles depends on the core of nanomaterial, the coating and functionalization agents, which play a key role in biocompatibility and targeting abilities of the nanomaterial. The functionalization can be achieved by small molecules and/or using macromolecules. Proteins are the principal macromolecules in the development of reliable and biomimetic hybrid materials for practical technological applications. Thus, in this work, protein engineering aspects involved in hybrid nanomaterials achievement are discussed.