Patent ID: 7488593

Claim:
An M13 phage having a plurality of recognition sites for specific nucleation comprising: (a) genetically engineered p8 comprising a first genetically engineered recognition site capable of nucleating a first nanoparticle; (b) genetically engineered p3 comprising a second genetically engineered recognition site capable of nucleating a second nanoparticle; (c) genetically engineered p7 or p9 comprising a third genetically engineered recognition site capable of nucleating a third nanoparticle, wherein nanoparticles are nucleated to the first, second, and third genetically engineering recognitions sites, wherein the nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of metal and semiconducting nanoparticles, and wherein the first, second, and third genetically engineering recognitions sites comprise peptides 5 to 30 amino acids in length.