From Pathology to Materials Science and Engineering: Harnessing the Amyloid State for Biotechnological Applications

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Materials Science
• Biotechnology and Nanotechnology

Background:

• Protein misfolding and aggregation are central to over 60 diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
• Proteins transition from disordered monomers to ordered amyloid fibrils with extensive beta-sheet structures.
• Functional amyloids also play roles in physiological processes across organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the principles governing amyloid formation.
• To explore leveraging amyloid biophysical properties and templating abilities for biotechnological applications.
• To discuss the potential of amyloid-based materials in diverse fields.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on amyloid formation and functional amyloids.
• Analysis of the biophysical properties and templating capabilities of amyloid structures.
• Identification and categorization of potential biotechnological applications.

Main Results:

• Amyloid formation involves a transition to highly ordered, fibrillar structures.
• Amyloids possess unique biophysical properties and templating abilities.
• Diverse applications include aerogels, hydrogels, drug delivery, tissue engineering, antimicrobials, catalysis, and bioelectronics.

Conclusions:

• Amyloid structures offer significant potential for developing novel biomaterials.
• Successful implementation of amyloid-based biotechnologies requires addressing current challenges.
• Future research can unlock widespread societal benefits from amyloid applications.