Protein Cages

Book excerpt: This volume emphasizes new techniques to help understand protein cages and to apply them to a variety of technologies, highlighting the expertise of researchers based on three continents. Protein cages are currently inspiring diverse scientific disciplines and are therefore at the crossroads of extremely widely-scoped research, which is reflected in the detailed chapters of Protein Cages: Methods and Protocols. From nanomaterials studies and iron particles to computational strategies and Atomic Force Microscopy, the chapters herein collectively provide an introduction to the rich world of protein cage research and specific techniques to understand and exploit this fascinating class of proteins. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters begin with an introduction to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Practical and cutting-edge, Protein Cages: Methods and Protocols will help to inspire and further propel the current multi-disciplinary enthusiasm in studying and discovering new applications for protein cages.