Post-crystal engineering of zinc-substituted myoglobin to construct a long-lived photoinduced charge-separation system

Growth Process of Fe-O Nanoclusters with Different Sizes Biosynthesized by Protein Nanocages

All protein-directed syntheses of metal nanoclusters (NCs) and nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted considerable attention because protein scaffolds provide a unique metal coordination environment and can adjust the shape and morphology of NCs and NPs. However, the detailed formation mechanisms of NCs or NPs directed by protein templates remain unclear. In this study, by taking advantage of the ferritin nanocage as a biotemplate to monitor the growth of Fe-O NCs as a function of time, we synthesized a series of iron NCs with different sizes and shapes and subsequently solved their corresponding three-dimensional atomic-scale structures by X-ray protein crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. The time-dependent structure analyses revealed the growth process of these Fe-O NCs with the 4-fold channel of ferritin as nucleation sites. To our knowledge, the newly biosynthesized Fe35O23Glu12 represents the largest Fe-O NCs with a definite atomic structure. This study contributes to our understanding of the formation mechanism of iron NCs and provides an effective method for metal NC synthesis.

Acquiring Charge-Transfer-Featured Single-Molecule Ultralong Organic Room Temperature Phosphorescence via Through-Space Electronic Coupling

Although long-lived triplet charge-transfer (3 CT) state with high energy level has gained significant attention, the development of organic small molecules capable of achieving such states remains a major challenge. Herein, by using the through-space electronic coupling effect, we have developed a compound, namely NIC-DMAC, which has a long-lived 3 CT state at the single-molecule level with a lifetime of 210 ms and a high energy level of up to 2.50 eV. Through a combination of experimental and computational approaches, we have elucidated the photophysical processes of NIC-DMAC, which involve sequential transitions from the first singlet excited state (S1 ) that shows a 1 CT character to the first triplet excited state (T1 ) that exhibits a local excited state feature (3 LE), and then to the second triplet excited state (T2 ) that shows a 3 CT character (i.e., S1 (1 CT)→T1 (3 LE)→T2 (3 CT)). The long lifetime and high energy level of its 3 CT state have enabled NIC-DMAC as an initiator for photocuring in double patterning applications.

Near-Infrared Self-Assembled Hydroxyl Radical Generator Based on Photoinduced Cascade Electron Transfer for Hypoxic Tumor Phototherapy

The hydroxyl radical (•OH) is an extremely potent reactive oxygen species that plays a crucial role in photooxidations within the realm of hypoxic tumor therapy. However, the current methods for •OH photogeneration typically rely on inorganic materials that require UV/vis light excitation. Consequently, photogenerators based on organic molecules, especially those utilizing near-infrared (NIR) light excitation, are rare. In this study, the concept of photoinduced cascade charge transfer (PICET), which utilizes NIR heavy-atom-free photosensitizers (ANOR-Cy5) to generate •OH is introduced. The ANOR-Cy5 photosensitizer, with its flexible hydrophobic structure, enables the formation of nanoparticles in aqueous solutions through molecular assembly. PICET involves a symmetry-breaking charge separation-induced localized charge-separated state, transitioning to a delocalized charge-separated state, which governs the efficiency of •OH generation. Thanks to the oxygen-independent nature of •OH generation and its robust oxidative properties, the ANOR-Cy5-based photosensitizer demonstrates highly effective photoinduced anti-cancer effects, even under severely hypoxic conditions. This discovery emphasizes the potential for achieving •OH photogeneration using a single organic molecule through the engineering of molecular self-assembly, thereby opening up new possibilities for phototherapy and beyond.

Efficient Intersystem Crossing and Long-lived Charge-Separated State Induced by Through-Space Intramolecular Charge Transfer in a Parallel Geometry Carbazole-Bodipy Dyad

The design of efficient heavy atom-free triplet photosensitizers (PSs) based on through bond charge transfer (TBCT) features is a formidable challenge due to the criteria of orthogonal donor-acceptor geometry. Herein, we propose using parallel (face-to-face) conformation carbazole-bodipy donor-acceptor dyads (BCZ-1 and BCZ-2) featuring through space intramolecular charge transfer (TSCT) process as efficient triplet PS. Efficient intersystem crossing (ΦΔ =61 %) and long-lived triplet excited state (τT =186 μs) were observed in the TSCT dyad BCZ-1 compared to BCZ-3 (ΦΔ =0.4 %), the dyad involving TBCT, demonstrating the superiority of the TSCT approach over conventional donor-acceptor system. Moreover, the transient absorption study revealed that TSCT dyads have a faster charge separation and slower intersystem crossing process induced by charge recombination compared to TBCT dyad. A long-lived charge-separated state (CSS) was observed in the BCZ-1 (τCSS =24 ns). For the first time, the TSCT dyad was explored for the triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion, and a high upconversion quantum yield of 11 % was observed. Our results demonstrate a new avenue for designing efficient PSs and open up exciting opportunities for future research in this field.

Ionogel-Electrode for the Study of Protein Tunnel Junctions under Physiologically Relevant Conditions

The study of charge transport through proteins is essential for understanding complicated electrochemical processes in biological activities while the reasons for the coexistence of tunneling and hopping phenomena in protein junctions still remain unclear. In this work, a flexible and conductive ionogel electrode is synthesized and is used as a top contact to form highly reproducible protein junctions. The junctions of proteins, including human serum albumin, cytochrome C and hemoglobin, show temperature-independent electron tunneling characteristics when the junctions are in solid states while with a different mechanism of temperature-dependent electron hopping when junctions are hydrated under physiologically relevant conditions. It is demonstrated that the solvent reorganization energy plays an important role in the electron-hopping process and experimentally shown that it requires ≈100 meV for electron hopping through one heme group inside a hydrated protein molecule connected between two electrodes.

Confinement-Driven Photophysics in Hydrazone-Based Hierarchical Materials

Confinement-imposed photophysics was probed for novel stimuli-responsive hydrazone-based compounds demonstrating a conceptual difference in their behavior within 2D versus 3D porous matrices for the first time. The challenges associated with photoswitch isomerization arising from host interactions with photochromic compounds in 2D scaffolds could be overcome in 3D materials. Solution-like photoisomerization rate constants were realized for sterically demanding hydrazone derivatives in the solid state through their coordinative immobilization in 3D scaffolds. According to steady-state and time-resolved photophysical measurements and theoretical modeling, this approach provides access to hydrazone-based materials with fast photoisomerization kinetics in the solid state. Fast isomerization of integrated hydrazone derivatives allows for probing and tailoring resonance energy transfer (ET) processes as a function of excitation wavelength, providing a novel pathway for ET modulation.

A novel triruthenium nitrosyl bearing a quinolinic ligand: a comparison of its spectroscopic behavior with its pyridine analogues

A comparative analysis of ruthenium nitrosyl spectroscopic data helps unravel the electronic character of the unit {RuNO}6[RuIIIRuIIIO].

Engineering of protein crystals for use as solid biomaterials

Protein crystals have attracted a great deal of attention as solid biomaterials because they have porous structures created by regular assemblies of proteins. The lattice structures of protein crystals are controlled by designing molecular interfacial interactions via covalent bonds and non-covalent bonds. Protein crystals have been functionalized as templates to immobilize foreign molecules such as metal nanoparticles, metal complexes, and proteins. These hybrid crystals are used as functional materials for catalytic reactions and structural analysis. Furthermore, in-cell protein crystals have been studied extensively, providing progress in rapid protein crystallization and crystallography. This review highlights recent advances in crystal engineering for protein crystallization and generation of solid functional materials both in vitro and within cells.

Redefining Protein Interfaces within Protein Single Crystals with DNA

Proteins are exquisite nanoscale building blocks: molecularly pure, chemically addressable, and inherently selective for their evolved function. The organization of proteins into single crystals with high positional, orientational, and translational order results in materials where the location of every atom can be known. However, controlling the organization of proteins is challenging due to the myriad interactions that define protein interfaces within native single crystals. Recently, we discovered that introducing a single DNA-DNA interaction between protein surfaces leads to changes in the packing of proteins within single crystals and the protein-protein interactions (PPIs) that arise. However, modifying specific PPIs to effect deliberate changes to protein packing is an unmet challenge. In this work, we hypothesized that disrupting and replacing a highly conserved PPI with a DNA-DNA interaction would enable protein packing to be modulated by exploiting the programmability of the introduced oligonucleotides. Using concanavalin A (ConA) as a model protein, we circumvent potentially deleterious mutagenesis and exploit the selective binding of ConA toward mannose to noncovalently attach DNA to the protein surface. We show that DNA association eliminates the major PPI responsible for crystallization of native ConA, thereby allowing subtle changes to DNA design (length, complementarity, and attachment position) to program distinct changes to ConA packing, including the realization of three novel crystal structures and the deliberate expansion of ConA packing along a single crystallographic axis. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of how DNA can supersede native PPIs to program protein packing within ordered materials.

Long-Lived Charge-Transfer State Induced by Spin-Orbit Charge Transfer Intersystem Crossing (SOCT-ISC) in a Compact Spiro Electron Donor/Acceptor Dyad

We prepared conceptually novel, fully rigid, spiro compact electron donor (Rhodamine B, lactam form, RB)/acceptor (naphthalimide; NI) orthogonal dyad to attain the long‐lived triplet charge‐transfer (³CT) state, based on the electron spin control using spin‐orbit charge transfer intersystem crossing (SOCT‐ISC). Transient absorption (TA) spectra indicate the first charge separation (CS) takes place within 2.5 ps, subsequent SOCT‐ISC takes 8 ns to produce the ³NI* state. Then the slow secondary CS (125 ns) gives the long‐lived ³CT state (0.94 μs in deaerated n‐hexane) with high energy level (ca. 2.12 eV). The cascade photophysical processes of the dyad upon photoexcitation are summarized as ¹NI*→¹CT→³NI*→³CT. With time‐resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectra, an EEEAAA electron‐spin polarization pattern was observed for the naphthalimide‐localized triplet state. Our spiro compact dyad structure and the electron spin‐control approach is different to previous methods for which invoking transition‐metal coordination or chromophores with intrinsic ISC ability is mandatory.

Structure of a Zinc Porphyrin-Substituted Bacterioferritin and Photophysical Properties of Iron Reduction

The iron storage protein bacterioferritin (Bfr) binds up to 12 hemes b at specific sites in its protein shell. The heme b can be substituted with the photosensitizer Zn(II)-protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP), and photosensitized reductive iron release from the ferric oxyhydroxide {[FeO(OH)]n} core inside the ZnPP-Bfr protein shell was demonstrated [Cioloboc, D., et al. (2018) Biomacromolecules 19, 178-187]. This report describes the X-ray crystal structure of ZnPP-Bfr and the effects of loaded iron on the photophysical properties of the ZnPP. The crystal structure of ZnPP-Bfr shows a unique six-coordinate zinc in the ZnPP with two axial methionine sulfur ligands. Steady state and transient ultraviolet-visible absorption and luminescence spectroscopies show that irradiation with light overlapping the Soret absorption causes oxidation of ZnPP to the cation radical ZnPP•+ only when the ZnPP-Bfr is loaded with [FeO(OH)]n. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy shows that this photooxidation occurs from the singlet excited state (1ZnPP*) on the picosecond time scale and is consistent with two oxidizing populations of Fe3+, which do not appear to involve the ferroxidase center iron. We propose that [FeO(OH)]n clusters at or near the inner surface of the protein shell are responsible for ZnPP photooxidation. Hopping of the photoinjected electrons through the [FeO(OH)]n would effectively cause migration of Fe2+ through the inner cavity to pores where it exits the protein. Reductive iron mobilization is presumed to be a physiological function of Bfrs. The phototriggered Fe3+ reduction could be used to identify the sites of iron mobilization within the Bfr protein shell.

Functionalization of Bacterial Microcompartment Shell Proteins With Covalently Attached Heme

Heme is a versatile redox cofactor that has considerable potential for synthetic biology and bioelectronic applications. The capacity to functionalize non-heme-binding proteins with covalently bound heme moieties in vivo could expand the variety of bioelectronic materials, particularly if hemes could be attached at defined locations so as to facilitate position-sensitive processes like electron transfer. In this study, we utilized the cytochrome maturation system I to develop a simple approach that enables incorporation of hemes into the backbone of target proteins in vivo. We tested our methodology by targeting the self-assembling bacterial microcompartment shell proteins, and inserting functional hemes at multiple locations in the protein backbone. We found substitution of three amino acids on the target proteins promoted heme attachment with high occupancy. Spectroscopic measurements suggested these modified proteins covalently bind low-spin hemes, with relative low redox midpoint potentials (about -210 mV vs. SHE). Heme-modified shell proteins partially retained their self-assembly properties, including the capacity to hexamerize, and form inter-hexamer attachments. Heme-bound shell proteins demonstrated the capacity to integrate into higher-order shell assemblies, however, the structural features of these macromolecular complexes was sometimes altered. Altogether, we report a versatile strategy for generating electron-conductive cytochromes from structurally-defined proteins, and provide design considerations on how heme incorporation may interface with native assembly properties in engineered proteins.

Structural, Photophysical, and Photochemical Characterization of Zinc Protoporphyrin IX in a Dimeric Variant of an Iron Storage Protein: Insights into the Mechanism of Photosensitized H2 Generation

Some of us have previously reported the preparation of a dimeric form of the iron storage protein, bacterioferritin (Bfr), in which the native heme b is substituted with the photosensitizer, Zn(II)-protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP-Bfr dimer). We further showed that the ZnPP-Bfr dimer can serve as a photosensitizer for platinum-catalyzed H₂ generation in aqueous solution without the usually added electron relay between photosensitizer and platinum ( Clark , E. R. , Inorg. Chem. 2017 , 56 , 4584 - 4593 ). We proposed reductive or oxidative quenching pathways involving the ZnPP anion radical (ZnPP^•-) or the ZnPP cation radical, (ZnPP^•+), respectively. The present report describes structural, photophysical, and photochemical properties of the ZnPP in the ZnPP-Bfr dimer. X-ray absorption spectroscopic studies at 10 K showed a mixture of five- and six-coordinated Zn centers with axial coordination by one long Zn-SγMet distance of ∼2.8 Å and ∼40% having an additional shorter Zn-S distance of ∼2.4 Å, in addition to the expected 4 nitrogen atom coordination from the porphyrin. The ZnPP in ZnPP-Bfr dimer was prone to photosensitized oxidation to ZnPP^•+. The ZnPP^•+ was rapidly reduced by ascorbic acid, which we previously determined was essential for photosensitized H₂ production in this system. These results are consistent with an oxidative quenching pathway involving electron transfer from ³ZnPP* to platinum, which may be assisted by a flexible ZnPP axial coordination sphere. However, the low quantum yield for H₂ production (∼1%) in this system could make reductive quenching difficult to detect, and can, therefore, not be completely ruled out. The ZnPP-Bfr dimer provides a simple but versatile framework for mechanistic assessment and optimization of porphyrin-photosensitized H₂ generation without an electron relay between porphyrin and the platinum catalyst.

Construction of supramolecular nanotubes from protein crystals

Investigations involving the design of protein assemblies for the development of biomaterials are receiving significant attention. In nature, proteins can be driven into assemblies frequently by various non-covalent interactions. Assembly of proteins into supramolecules can be conducted under limited conditions in solution. These factors force the assembly process into an equilibrium state with low stability. Here, we report a new method for preparing assemblies using protein crystals as non-equilibrium molecular scaffolds. Protein crystals provide an ideal environment with a highly ordered packing of subunits in which the supramolecular assembled structures are formed in the crystalline matrix. Based on this feature, we demonstrate the self-assembly of supramolecular nanotubes constructed from protein crystals triggered by co-oxidation with cross-linkers. The assembly of tubes is driven by the formation of disulfide bonds to retain the intermolecular interactions within each assembly in the crystalline matrix after dissolution of the crystals.

Supramolecular protein cages constructed from a crystalline protein matrix

Protein crystals are formed via ordered arrangements of proteins, which assemble to form supramolecular structures. Here, we show a method for the assembly of supramolecular protein cages within a crystalline environment. The cages are stabilized by covalent cross-linking allowing their release via dissolution of the crystal. The high stability of the desiccated protein crystals allows cages to be constructed.

Successive energy transfer within multiple photosensitizers assembled in a hexameric hemoprotein scaffold

An assembly of multiple photosensitizers is demonstrated by development of a hexameric hemoprotein (HTHP) scaffold as a light harvesting model to replicate the successive energy transfer occuring within photosensitizer assemblies of natural systems. In our model, six zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP) molecules are arrayed at the heme binding site of HTHP by supramolecular interactions and five fluorescein (Flu) molecules and one Texas Red (Tex) molecule as donor and acceptor photosensitizers, respectively, are attached to the HTHP protein surface with covalent linkages. The flow of excited energy from photoexcited Flu to Tex occurs via two pathways: direct energy transfer from Flu to Tex (path 1) and energy transfer via ZnPP (path 2). Steady state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements reveal that the energy transfer ratio of these pathways (path 1 : path 2) is 39 : 61. These findings indicate that the excited energy originating at five Flu and six ZnPP molecules is collected at one Tex molecule as a funnel-like bottom for light harvesting. The present system using the hexameric hemoprotein scaffold is a promising candidate for construction of an artificial light harvesting system having multiple photosensitizers to promote efficient use of solar energy.

Design of a confined environment using protein cages and crystals for the development of biohybrid materials

There is growing interest in the design of protein assemblies for use in materials science and bionanotechnology. Protein assemblies, such as cages and crystalline protein structures, provide confined chemical environments that allow immobilization of metal complexes, nanomaterials, and proteins by metal coordination, assembly/disassembly reactions, genetic manipulation and crystallization methods. Protein assembly composites can be used to prepare hybrid materials with catalytic, magnetic and optical properties for cellular applications due to their high stability, solubility and biocompatibility. In this feature article, we focus on the recent development of ferritin as the most promising molecular template protein cage and in vivo and in vitro engineering of protein crystals as solid protein materials with functional properties.

Functionalization of protein crystals with metal ions, complexes and nanoparticles

Self-assembled proteins have specific functions in biology. With inspiration provided by natural protein systems, several artificial protein assemblies have been constructed via site-specific mutations or metal coordination, which have important applications in catalysis, material and bio-supramolecular chemistry. Similar to natural protein assemblies, protein crystals have been recognized as protein assemblies formed of densely-packed monomeric proteins. Protein crystals can be functionalized with metal ions, metal complexes or nanoparticles via soaking, co-crystallization, creating new metal binding sites by site-specific mutations. The field of protein crystal engineering with metal coordination is relatively new and has gained considerable attention for developing solid biomaterials as well as structural investigations of enzymatic reactions, growth of nanoparticles and catalysis. This review highlights recent and significant research on functionalization of protein crystals with metal coordination and future prospects.

Overcoming the Incompatibility Challenge in Chemoenzymatic and Multi-Catalytic Cascade Reactions

Multi-catalytic cascade reactions bear a great potential to minimize downstream and purification steps, leading to a drastic reduction of the produced waste. In many examples, the compatibility of chemo- and biocatalytic steps could be easily achieved. Problems associated with the incompatibility of the catalysts and their reactions, however, are very frequent. Cascade-like reactions can hardly occur in this way. One possible solution to combine, in principle, incompatible chemo- and biocatalytic reactions is the defined control of the microenvironment by compartmentalization or scaffolding. Current methods for the control of the microenvironment of biocatalysts go far beyond classical enzyme immobilization and are thus believed to be very promising tools to overcome incompatibility issues and to facilitate the synthetic application of cascade reactions. In this Minireview, we will summarize recent synthetic examples of (chemo)enzymatic cascade reactions and outline promising methods for their spatial control either by using bio-derived or synthetic systems.

New molecular packing in a crystal of pseudoazurin from Alcaligenes faecalis: a double-helical arrangement of blue copper

Pseudoazurin from the denitrifying bacterium Alcaligenes faecalis (AfPAz) is a blue copper protein and functions as an electron donor to copper-containing nitrite reductase (CuNIR). Conventionally, AfPAz has been crystallized using highly concentrated ammonium sulfate as a precipitant. Here, a needle-like crystal of AfPAz grown in a solution containing a macromolecular precipitant, polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG 8000), is reported. The crystal belonged to space group P61, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 68.7, c = 94.2 Å. The structure has been determined and refined at 2.6 Å resolution. The asymmetric unit contained two AfPAz molecules contacting each other on negatively charged surfaces. The molecular packing of the crystal showed a right-handed double-helical arrangement of AfPAz molecules and hence of blue copper sites. This structure provides insight into the excluded-volume effect of PEG and the manner of assembly of AfPAz.

An extended π-system and enhanced electronic delocalization on symmetric [Ru3O(CH3COO)6(L)3]n complexes combined with azanaphthalene ligands

The electronic density of the metallic core relies on the basicity of the ligands through σ-donation, while part of this electronic density is delocalized to the periphery through π-interactions.

Energy migration within hexameric hemoprotein reconstituted with Zn porphyrinoid molecules

Photosensitizers, Zn protoporphyrin IX and Zn chlorin e6, are completely inserted into each heme pocket of a hexameric apohemoprotein. The fluorescence quenching efficiencies upon addition of methyl viologen are 2.3 and 2.6 fold-higher than those of the partially photosensitizer-inserted proteins, respectively, indicating that the energy migration occurs within the proteins.

Multiple photosynthetic reaction centres of porphyrinic polypeptide-Li(+)@C60 supramolecular complexes

Multiple photosynthetic reaction centres have been successfully constructed using strong supramolecular complexes of free base porphyrin polypeptides with lithium ion-encapsulated C60 (Li(+)@C60) as compared with those of C60. Efficient energy migration and electron transfer occur in the supramolecular complexes.

Design of protein crystals in the development of solid biomaterials

Protein crystals have been functionalized for applications in preparation of inorganic materials, asymmetric catalysis and accumulation of functional compounds.

Supramolecular frameworks of binuclear dioxomolybdenum(vi) complexes with ONS donor ligands using 4,4′-azopyridine as a pillar: crystal structure, DFT calculations and biological study

4,4′-Azpy is used as linker forming pillared dioxoMo(vi) complexes first time, biological activities are reported.

Preparation of a cross-linked porous protein crystal containing Ru carbonyl complexes as a CO-releasing extracellular scaffold

Protein crystals generally are stable solid protein assemblies. Certain protein crystals are suitable for use as nanovessels for immobilizing metal complexes. Here we report the preparation of ruthenium carbonyl-incorporated cross-linked hen egg white lysozyme crystals (Ru·CL-HEWL). Ru·CL-HEWL retains a Ru carbonyl moiety that can release CO, although a composite of Ru carbonyl-HEWL dissolved in buffer solution (Ru·HEWL) does not release CO. We found that treatment of cells with Ru·CL-HEWL significantly increased nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activity as a cellular response to CO. These results demonstrate that Ru·CL-HEWL has potential for use as an artificial extracellular scaffold suitable for transport and release of a gas molecule.

Spectroscopic and computational study of a nonheme iron nitrosyl center in a biosynthetic model of nitric oxide reductase

A major barrier to understanding the mechanism of nitric oxide reductases (NORs) is the lack of a selective probe of NO binding to the nonheme FeB center. By replacing the heme in a biosynthetic model of NORs, which structurally and functionally mimics NORs, with isostructural ZnPP, the electronic structure and functional properties of the FeB nitrosyl complex was probed. This approach allowed observation of the first S=3/2 nonheme {FeNO}(7) complex in a protein-based model system of NOR. Detailed spectroscopic and computational studies show that the electronic state of the {FeNO}(7) complex is best described as a high spin ferrous iron (S=2) antiferromagnetically coupled to an NO radical (S=1/2) [Fe(2+)-NO(.)]. The radical nature of the FeB -bound NO would facilitate N-N bond formation by radical coupling with the heme-bound NO. This finding, therefore, supports the proposed trans mechanism of NO reduction by NORs.

Protein-directed approaches to functional nanomaterials: a case study of lysozyme

Using lysozyme as a model, protein-directed approaches to functional nanomaterials were reviewed, making rational materials design possible in the future.

Porous protein crystals as reaction vessels

Porous protein crystals have the potential to provide new porous materials due to their unique chemical environments composed of amino acid residues periodically exposed at the surface of the solvent channels in the crystal lattice. This enables accumulation of external compounds in special arrangements by metal coordination interactions or by chemical modifications. This article presents a review of advances in the recently established field of porous protein crystals.

Porous protein crystals as reaction vessels for controlling magnetic properties of nanoparticles

Magnetic bimetallic CoPt nanoparticles are synthesized in the solvent channels of hen egg white lysozyme crystals by the reduction of Co(2+) and Pt(2+) ions pre-organized on the interior surface of the solvent channels. By using different lysozyme crystal systems, the magnetic properties of CoPt nanoparticles can be controlled.