Bimetallic hybrid nanostructures exhibit enhanced properties beyond a single composition nanoparticle, but present technical challenges for synthesis that includes the ability to process two or more materials while offering control over structural arrangement. Unlike conventional synthetic strategies, biological systems are excellent manufacturers of complex inorganic materials which possess maximal functionality, quality, and structures. Using a bio-mediated approach, Applicants have developed a synthetic method for the controlled synthesis of bimetallic nanostructures using multifunctional peptides.