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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
15:04
Interactions with and Membrane Permeabilization of Brain Mitochondria by Amyloid Fibrils
Published on: September 28, 2019
Functionalised amyloid fibrils for roles in cell adhesion
Sally L Gras1, Anna K Tickler, Adam M Squires
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia. sgras@unimelb.edu.au
Biomaterials
|January 1, 2008
Summary
Researchers created functional amyloid fibrils for biomaterials. These novel RGD-containing fibrils promote specific cell interactions, opening possibilities for tailored nanomaterials in regenerative medicine.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Amyloid fibrils, known for pathological roles, are being explored for novel applications.
- Developing advanced biomaterials is crucial for controlling cellular behavior in vitro.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of engineered amyloid fibrils as nanoscale biomaterials.
- To functionalize amyloid fibrils with cell-binding motifs to promote specific cellular interactions.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized peptides incorporating cell adhesion sequences (RGD) or control sequences (RAD).
- Induced self-assembly of peptides into amyloid fibrils in aqueous solutions.
- Characterized fibril structure using X-ray fibre diffraction.
- Assessed bioactivity and cell interaction of functionalized fibrils in vitro.
Main Results:
- Peptides successfully self-assembled into amyloid fibrils with characteristic cross-beta structure.
- Fibrils functionalized with the RGD sequence demonstrated bioactivity.
- RGD-functionalized fibrils specifically interacted with cells via the displayed RGD motif.
- The structure and spacing of the functionalized fibrils were consistent with native amyloid fibrils.
Conclusions:
- Engineered amyloid fibrils can serve as bioactive nanoscale biomaterials.
- Functionalization with specific sequences like RGD enables targeted cell adhesion and interaction.
- This approach allows for the systematic design of amyloid-based nanomaterials for diverse cell types and applications.
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