Effect of Nanoparticles on Protein Folding and Fibrillogenesis

Abstract

The large surface area and small size of nanoparticles provide properties and applications that are distinct from those of bulk materials. The ability of nanoparticles to influence protein folding and aggregation is interesting, not only because of the potential beneficial applications, but also the potential risks to human health and the environment. This makes it essential that we understand the effect of nanoparticles on fundamental biological process, like protein folding. Here, we review studies that have examined the effect of nanoparticles on protein folding and aggregation, providing insight both into the mechanisms of these processes and how they may be controlled.

Keywords

• Nanoparticles
• protein folding
• fibrillogenesis
• amyloid