This book is devoted to the engineering of protein-based nanostructures and nanomaterials. One key challenge in nanobiotechnology is to be able to exploit the natural repertoire of protein structures and functions to build materials with defined properties at the nanoscale using ¿bottom-up¿ strategies. This book addresses in an integrated manner all the critical aspects that need to be understood and considered to design the next generation of nano-bio assemblies. The book covers first the fundamentals of the design and features of the protein building blocks and their self-assembly illustrating some of the most relevant examples of nanostructural design. Finally, the book contains a section dedicated to demonstrated applications of these novel bioinspired nanostructures in different fields from hybrid nanomaterials to regenerative medicine. This book provides a comprehensive updated review of this rapidly evolving field.

Aitziber L. Cortajarena - CIC BiomaGUNE, Biomolecular Nanotechnology Lab, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain

Tijana Z. Grove - Virgina Tech, Department of Chemistry, Blacksburg, VA, USA

1 Protein design for nanostructural engineering: General aspects, Aitziber L. Cortajarena, Tijana Z Grove.- 2 Designed protein origami,  Roman Jerala.- 3 Two-dimensional peptide and protein assemblies, Vince Conticello.- 4 Designed repeat proteins as building blocks for nanofabrication, Aitziber L. Cortajarena.- 5 Assembly, engineering and applications of virus-based protein nanoparticles, Mauricio Mateu.- 6 Dynamic and active proteins: biomolecular motors in engineered nanostructures, Marisela Velez.- 7 Natural Composite Systems for Bioinspired Materials, Jin Montclare.- 8 Protein-based hydrogels for tissue engineering, Lynne Regan.- 9 Protein-polymer conjugate materials, Tijana Z. Grove.- 10 Design of electron transfer peptides: Towards functional materials, Giovanna Ghirlanda.- 11 S-layer based nanocomposites for industrial applications , J Raff.- 12 Protein design for nanostructural engineering: Remarks and Future Directions, Aitziber L. Cortajarena, Tijana Z Grove.- Index.