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Abstract Structural and compositional diversities of proteins generate a number of functions for fabricating novel and advanced materials. Recent progress in protein engineering endows flexible approaches and new functionalities, which makes the fabricated materials potentially applicable in a broad spectrum of fields. Such engineering strategies by applying proteins alone or together with other molecules derive numerous functional materials such as patterned nanometal materials/nanometallic compounds, well‐designed nanocomposites, etc. Advantages in materials’ tunability, property improvement (e.g., electronic and mechanical properties, etc.), functionalities, and biocompatibility have been demonstrated, thus providing alternatives to existing materials via conventional methods. This review summarizes and discusses the strategies of fabricating functional materials using proteins as the critical contributors. Benefiting from their versatility, proteins find their roles in engineering functional materials via acting as structure‐control agents, reaction agents, and battery components, which are emphasized in this review. The strategies of each group of functions are specifically detailed. Properties of protein‐engineered functional materials and their potential applications in the fields of microelectronics, energy storage and conversion, sensor devices, etc. are also reviewed.
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Protein‐Engineered Functional Materials
Abstract Proteins are versatile macromolecules that can perform a variety of functions. In the past three decades, they have been commonly used as building blocks to generate a range of biomaterials. Owing to their flexibility, proteins can either be used alone or in combination with other functional molecules. Advances in synthetic and chemical biology have enabled new protein fusions as well as the integration of new functional groups leading to biomaterials with emergent properties. This review discusses protein‐engineered materials from the perspectives of domain‐based designs as well as physical and chemical approaches for crosslinked materials, with special emphasis on the creation of hydrogels. Engineered proteins that organize or template metal ions, bear noncanonical amino acids (NCAAs), and their potential applications, are also reviewed.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1728858
- PAR ID:
- 10461353
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Advanced Healthcare Materials
- Volume:
- 8
- Issue:
- 11
- ISSN:
- 2192-2640
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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