Issue 70, 2014

Protein-based supramolecular polymers: progress and prospect

Abstract

Proteins are naturally evolved macromolecules with highly sophisticated structures and diverse properties. The design and controlled self-assembly of proteins into polymeric architectures via supramolecular interactions offers unique advantages in understanding the spontaneously self-organisational process and fabrication of various bioactive materials. This feature article highlights recent advances and future trends in supramolecular polymers that are directly assembled from the building blocks of proteins. Non-covalent interactions capable of inducing polymerization include aromatic π–π stacking, host–guest interactions, metal coordination, and interprotein interactions combined with site-selective protein modification to explore the dynamic and specific unidirectional aggregation behaviours among protein units. We also discuss some extended supramolecular protein polymers achieved by rational design and fine-tuning the protein–protein interactions, which may help to inspire future design of more complicated polymeric protein assemblies. The protein-based supramolecular polymer system provides a versatile platform for functionalization and thereby shows great potential in the development of novel biomaterials with controlled structures and properties.

Graphical abstract: Protein-based supramolecular polymers: progress and prospect

Article information

Article type
Feature Article
Submitted
28 apr 2014
Accepted
09 iyn 2014
First published
09 iyn 2014

Chem. Commun., 2014,50, 9997-10007

Protein-based supramolecular polymers: progress and prospect

Q. Luo, Z. Dong, C. Hou and J. Liu, Chem. Commun., 2014, 50, 9997 DOI: 10.1039/C4CC03143A

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