Self-assembly of engineered protein nanocages into reversible ordered 3D superlattices mediated by zinc ions.

Fabrication of ordered assemblies with protein nanocages as building blocks has attracted great attention. Here, we re-engineered the exterior surface of the smallest natural nanocage, DNA-binding protein from starved cells (Dps), to yield a highly ordered architecture triggered by zinc ions. The resulting architecture possesses a bcc superstructure, the assembly and disassembly of which are reversible and can be regulated by the salt concentration.