Issue 39, 2011

The role of self-assembling polypeptides in building nanomaterials

Abstract

Polypeptides are functional biomolecules that play a key role in life science, where they can act as hormones and signaling molecules. They can self-assemble into a variety of nanostructures, including two dimensional (2D) lamellae, one dimensional (1D) nanofibrils and nanotubes, and zero dimensional (0D) nanospheres. The driving force behind these advanced nanomaterials involves weak non-covalent interactions that include hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. Here we discuss each of the interactions in relation to self-assembly and provide examples of some novel applications in engineering materials, tissue engineering and nanoelectronics. The overall aim is to provide a comprehensive, yet easily accessible review of the known nanomaterials produced by self-assembling polypeptides, which may lead to the construction of more advanced polypeptide nanostructures for future applications.

Graphical abstract: The role of self-assembling polypeptides in building nanomaterials

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
27 Apr 2011
Accepted
15 Jul 2011
First published
05 Aug 2011

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2011,13, 17435-17444

The role of self-assembling polypeptides in building nanomaterials

L. Liu, K. Busuttil, S. Zhang, Y. Yang, C. Wang, F. Besenbacher and M. Dong, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2011, 13, 17435 DOI: 10.1039/C1CP21338E

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