Simultaneous Organic and Inorganic Host-Guest Chemistry within Pillararene-Protein Cage Frameworks

Supramolecular self-assembly of biomolecules provides a powerful bottom-up strategy to build functional nanostructures and materials. Among the different biomacromolecules, protein cages offer various advantages including uniform size, versatility, multi-modularity, and high stability. Additionally, protein cage crystals present confined microenvironments with well-defined dimensions. On the other hand, molecular hosts, such as cyclophanes, possess a defined cavity size and selective recognition of guest molecules. However, the successful combination of macrocycles and protein cages to achieve functional co-crystals has remained limited. In this study, we demonstrate electrostatic binding between cationic pillar[5]arenes and (apo)ferritin cages that results in porous and crystalline frameworks. The electrostatically assembled crystals present a face-centered cubic (FCC) lattice and have been characterized by means of small-angle X-ray scattering and cryo-TEM. These hierarchical structures result in a multiadsorbent framework capable of hosting both organic and inorganic pollutants, such as dyes and toxic metals, with potential application in water-remediation technologies.