Applications

• Molecular diagnostics
• Nanofactory engineering
• Advanced light-emitting materials

Advantages/Benefits

• More controlled and better measurement of membrane permeability 
• Enhanced stability and longevity of protein particles 

Background

Biotechnology relies on luminescent luciferase enzymes for applications such as quantifying gene expression and describing protein biophysics. Traditional approaches rely on free-floating luciferase in a solution or a cellular environment, yet precise organization of luciferase at the nanoscale is needed for advancing applications. Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are nanoscale protein shells that are being engineered as bio-economy nanofactories, molecular delivery devices, and advanced materials. Yet, more research is required to understand the design principles concerning functionalization and shell molecular permeability.

Technology Overview

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a method for producing luminescent bacterial microcompartment (BMC) shells by encapsulating firefly luciferase enzymes. These shells are nanoscale protein containers that can be used to study molecular permeability. The process uses a system to covalently bind luciferase inside the BMC shells, creating monodisperse protein particles approximately 40 nm in size. The encapsulated luciferase produces luminescence and measures the permeability of the BMC shell to small molecules like adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The results indicate that uncapped shells allow a ~50x higher permeability rate compared to capped shells.

Development Stage

Proof of concept 

For More Information

N/A

Lead Investigator(s)

• Eric Young 

Status

Patent pending 

Opportunities

Available for licensing or collaborative research