Transformable protein–gold hybrid materials serve as supramolecular vehicles for gene delivery

Abstract

Functional DNA cannot pass through plasma membrane of living cells by itself. An efficient non-viral DNA carrier with low cytotoxicity and simple preparation procedure is in high demand. Herein, we describe that protein–gold hybrid nanocubes (PGHNs) could intrinsically recognize DNAs, and transform them into nanoflower-like structures. These supramolecular complexes can be internalized by living yeast cells and allow the coding information of the gene to be transmitted into proteins. PGHN–DNA can be a good model to study DNA–carrier interactions as well as a new carrier for gene delivery research.