Creation of nano-object-recognizing biomolecules through directed evolution

Proteins are the universal molecular building blocks of life. These natural macromolecules are endowed with functions as varied as they are sophisticated. We now have a better understanding of how they are organized, and of their astonishing properties. Researchers are now able to artificially reconstitute processes of molecular evolution, enabling the emergence of new biomolecules, proteins or peptides, capable of interacting specifically with materials and nano-objects. These new molecules self-assemble with their target surface. They can be combined to act as interfaces between nano-objects, or between nano-objects and biomolecules. Finally, the shape of biomolecules can be exploited to control the morphogenesis of nano-objects such as nanoparticles or nanowires.