Template-synthesized Protein Nanotubes with Controlled Size Based on Layer-by-layer Method

The protein nanotubes fabricated by a layer-by-layer deposition method using the porous alumina membrane as the template were described. The combination of the template method and the layer-by-layer assembly technique for the fabrication of protein nanotubes presented simplicity and versatility. The nanotubes composed of two kinds of proteins (bovine serum albumin and hemoglobin lyophilized bovine erythrocytes) with different sizes could be synthesized through this method. The outside diameter of the obtained nanotubes was determined by the diameter of the pores of the template. And the wall thickness of the protein nanotubes increased with the increase of the number of protein layers that made up of the walls of nanotubes. Such biodegradable nanotubes with good biocompatibility should be useful for in vivo applications.