Supramolecular self-assembly: A facile way to fabricate protein and peptide nanomaterials

The supramolecular self-assembly of protein and peptide paves a new way for complex functional nanomaterials. The key in this field is precise structural regulation, which relies on both the knowledge of noncovalent intermolecular interactions and thermodynamic or kinetic controlling conditions. In this chapter, we present the basic mechanism for protein and peptide self-assembly and their attractive applications in drug delivery and phototherapy, biomimetic light-harvesting materials, and semiconductive materials. Emphasis is put on the rational design of intermolecular interactions among the assembly units. In addition, the unique advantages of protein and peptides for the self-assembly are also highlighted.