生物体通过指导的自组装合成种类繁多、功能特异的天然纳米结构,它们在生命过程中扮演重要角色。按照自组装体的维度,可以分为线状(一维)、层状(二维)、笼状(三维)生物纳米结构。通过设计,这些生物大分子纳米结构可在细胞"工厂"中重组制备,且可通过合成生物学技术对其组装和功能化进行理性设计和调控,成为功能性纳米器件。这类纳米生物结构和器件已经在生物传感、催化、肿瘤热疗、药物递送、组织工程、生物电池等领域获得展示或应用。相关研究正在成为合成生物学和纳米生物学的一个交叉领域,受到关注。
There are various nanostructures in biological system. They are made of biologica l molecules via self-assembly with well-organized architectures and specific functions. These nanostructures can be grouped into lines,layers and cages, corresponding to one-, two-and three-dimensional structures, respectively. The bionanostructures can serve as the models or templates for biosynthesis of biodevices with desired functions by rational design. Proof-of-concept studies have shown their attractive performance in practical applications, e.g., biosensors, catalysis, tumor thermo-therapy, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and batteries.