Kinesin I ATPase Manipulates Biohybrids Formed from Tubulin and Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

This chapter describes a method for the formation of novel protein–nanotube hybrid conjugates. Specifically, we took advantage of the self-assembly and self-recognition properties of tubulin cytoskeletal protein immobilized onto carbon nanotubes to form nanotube-based biohybrids. Further biohybrid hierarchical integration in assemblies enabled molecular-level manipulation on engineered surfaces, as demonstrated with biocatalyst kinesin 1 ATPase molecular motor. The method presented herein can be extended for the preparation of biocatalyst-based or protein-based assemblies to be used as sensors or biological templates for nanofabrication.