Freeze-drying of aqueous myoglobin–polymer surfactant nanoconjugates affords a water-free solid that melts at room temperature to produce a viscous solventless liquid protein that exhibits near-native secondary structure and reversible dioxygen binding. The results challenge the accepted role of solvent molecules in mediating protein structure and function, and offer new opportunities in protein-based nanoscience and bionanotechnology.
- Adam W. Perriman
- Alex P. S. Brogan
- Stephen Mann
