Protein nanofibrils: Preparation, properties, and possible applications in industrial nanomaterials

Ye, Xinchen; Lendel, Christofer; Langton, Maud; Olsson, Richard T.; Hedenqvist, Mikael S.

doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-815749-7.00002-5

Cited by 26 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 172 publications

(201 reference statements)

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“…[45] A single protein fibre typically measures about a few micrometres in length and a few nanometres in diameter, allowing it to bridge two electrodes to complete a circuit ( Figure 4B). [31,112] Alternatively, current can be passed transversely; through the cross-section of the fibre ( Figure 4A). In this case, l represents the cross-sectional height of the fibre and the area,…”

Section: From Nano To Macro: Emergent Properties At Different Lengtmentioning

confidence: 99%

Challenges in engineering conductive protein fibres: Disentangling the knowledge

2020

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Conductive protein materials are promising candidates for next‐generation bioelectronics due to their genetically‐customizable functionalities, biocompatibility, and bioactivity. We envision that they could be used in a variety of bio‐friendly functional devices, including bio‐electronic interfaces, bio‐energy devices, and sensors. However, their practical uses are limited by gaps in our understanding of charge transport in proteins, and by challenges in establishing reliable data collection methods. Moreover, characterization protocols are not always designed with applications in mind, which hinders engineering developments. Here, we review the effects of sample preparation, environmental conditions (ie, hydration level, pH, temperature), measurement scale (nano, micro, and macro), and geometrical considerations, on the measured electrical properties of proteins. We emphasize the need for standardized methods and collaborations across fields for the design of conductive protein materials, keeping in mind their end goal applications. Our objective for this review is to disentangle the knowledge on protein conductivity, and to clarify the current challenges, limitations, and future possibilities for these biological conductors.

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Section: From Nano To Macro: Emergent Properties At Different Lengtmentioning

confidence: 99%

Challenges in engineering conductive protein fibres: Disentangling the knowledge

2020

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“…The synthesis of PNFs requires the unfolding of the native three-dimensional protein structures (denaturation) followed by the hydrolysis of the proteins into small peptides and the nucleation/self-assembly of the peptides to PNFs. 28 − 32 To initiate and promote protein denaturation, specific conditions are used for exposing the hydrophobic segments and the hydrogen-bond donor/acceptor parts of the protein residues. 33 − 35 Here, organic solvents such as urea and ethanol can effectively trigger the formation of PNFs.…”

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confidence: 99%

Protein Nanofibrils and Their Hydrogel Formation with Metal Ions

Capezza

Xiao

et al. 2021

ACS Nano

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Protein nanofibrils (PNFs) have been prepared by whey protein fibrillation at low pH and in the presence of different metal ions. The effect of the metal ions was systematically studied both in terms of PNF suspension gelation behavior and fibrillation kinetics. A high valence state and a small ionic radius ( e.g ., Sn 4+ ) of the metal ion resulted in the formation of hydrogels already at a metal ion concentration of 30 mM, whereas an intermediate valence state and larger ionic radius (Co 2+ , Ni 2+ , Al 3+ ) resulted in the hydrogel formation occurring at 60 mM. A concentration of 120 mM of Na + was needed to form a PNF hydrogel, while lower concentrations showed liquid behaviors similar to the reference PNF solution where no metal ions had been introduced. The hydrogel mechanics were investigated at steady-state conditions after 24 h of incubation/gelation, revealing that more acidic (smaller and more charged) metal ions induced ca . 2 orders of magnitude higher storage modulus as compared to the less acidic metal ions (with smaller charge and larger radius) for the same concentration of metal ions. The viscoelastic nature of the hydrogels was attributed to the ability of the metal ions to coordinate water molecules in the vicinity of the PNFs. The presence of metal ions in the solutions during the growth of the PNFs typically resulted in curved fibrils, whereas an upper limit of the concentration existed when oxides/hydroxides were formed, and the hydrogels lost their gel properties due to phase separation. Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence was used to determine the rate of the fibrillation to form 50% of the total PNFs ( t 1/2 ), which decreased from 2.3 to ca . 0.5 h depending on the specific metal ions added.

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“…They consist of repetitive core sequences, such as hydrophilic and hydrophobic amino acid segments folded within fibrillar and often twisted structures, which are in diameters typically ranging from 5 to 10 nm and length up to several micrometers 13,14 . Protein nanofibrils, are supramolecular polymers rich in β-sheet secondary structures, packed in a cross-β structure with the β-strands perpendicular to the fibril axis in the case of amyloids 14 and parallel to the fibrils in the case of silk nanofibrils 15 (Collagen, another class of protein fibrous scaffold based on alpha-helical secondary structure, has not received great attention for water purification, and will not be discussed here). A strong network of hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces stabilizes their structure 13,14 .…”

Section: Protein Nanofibrils As New Water Purification Agentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Protein nanofibrils, are supramolecular polymers rich in β-sheet secondary structures, packed in a cross-β structure with the β-strands perpendicular to the fibril axis in the case of amyloids 14 and parallel to the fibrils in the case of silk nanofibrils 15 (Collagen, another class of protein fibrous scaffold based on alpha-helical secondary structure, has not received great attention for water purification, and will not be discussed here). A strong network of hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces stabilizes their structure 13,14 . Compared to other protein materials, they exhibit outstanding nanomechanical properties and stabilities against enzymatic degradation 14 .…”

Section: Protein Nanofibrils As New Water Purification Agentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A strong network of hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces stabilizes their structure 13,14 . Compared to other protein materials, they exhibit outstanding nanomechanical properties and stabilities against enzymatic degradation 14 . In addition to their intrinsic rigidity, they have distinctive features of chirality, polarity, and charge 16 .…”

Section: Protein Nanofibrils As New Water Purification Agentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Protein nanofibrils for next generation sustainable water purification

2021

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Water scarcity is rapidly spreading across the planet, threatening the population across the five continents and calling for global sustainable solutions. Water reclamation is the most ecological approach for supplying clean drinking water. However, current water purification technologies are seldom sustainable, due to high-energy consumption and negative environmental footprint. Here, we review the cutting-edge technologies based on protein nanofibrils as water purification agents and we highlight the benefits of this green, efficient and affordable solution to alleviate the global water crisis. We discuss the different protein nanofibrils agents available and analyze them in terms of performance, range of applicability and sustainability. We underline the unique opportunity of designing protein nanofibrils for efficient water purification starting from food waste, as well as cattle, agricultural or dairy industry byproducts, allowing simultaneous environmental, economic and social benefits and we present a case analysis, including a detailed life cycle assessment, to establish their sustainable footprint against other common natural-based adsorbents, anticipating a bright future for this water purification approach.

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Protein nanofibrils: Preparation, properties, and possible applications in industrial nanomaterials

Abstract: N.B. When citing this work, cite the original published chapter.

Cited by 26 publications

References 172 publications

Challenges in engineering conductive protein fibres: Disentangling the knowledge

Challenges in engineering conductive protein fibres: Disentangling the knowledge

Protein Nanofibrils and Their Hydrogel Formation with Metal Ions

Protein nanofibrils for next generation sustainable water purification

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