Metal
nanohybrids are fast emerging functional nanomaterials with
advanced structures, intriguing physicochemical properties, and a
broad range of important applications in current nanoscience research.
Significant efforts have been devoted toward design and develop versatile
metal nanohybrid systems. Among numerous biological components, diverse
proteins offer avenues for making advanced multifunctional systems
with unusual properties, desired functions, and potential applications.
This review discusses the rational design, properties, and applications
of metal–protein nanohybrid materials fabricated from proteins
and inorganic components. The construction of functional biomimetic
nanohybrid materials is first briefly introduced. The properties and
functions of these hybrid materials are then discussed. After that,
an overview of promising application of biomimetic metal–protein
nanohybrid materials is provided. Finally, the key challenges and
outlooks related to this fascinating research area are also outlined.