Research Update: Programmable tandem repeat proteins inspired by squid ring teeth
Abdon Pena-Francesch,
Natalia E. Domeradzka,
Huihun Jung,
Benjamin Barbu,
Mert Vural,
Yusuke Kikuchi,
Benjamin D. Allen,
Melik C. Demirel
Affiliations
Abdon Pena-Francesch
Center for Research on Advanced Fiber Technologies (CRAFT), Materials Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
Natalia E. Domeradzka
Center for Research on Advanced Fiber Technologies (CRAFT), Materials Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
Huihun Jung
Center for Research on Advanced Fiber Technologies (CRAFT), Materials Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
Benjamin Barbu
Center for Research on Advanced Fiber Technologies (CRAFT), Materials Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
Mert Vural
Center for Research on Advanced Fiber Technologies (CRAFT), Materials Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
Yusuke Kikuchi
Center for Research on Advanced Fiber Technologies (CRAFT), Materials Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
Benjamin D. Allen
Center for Research on Advanced Fiber Technologies (CRAFT), Materials Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
Melik C. Demirel
Center for Research on Advanced Fiber Technologies (CRAFT), Materials Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
Cephalopods have evolved many interesting features that can serve as inspiration. Repetitive squid ring teeth (SRT) proteins from cephalopods exhibit properties such as strength, self-healing, and biocompatibility. These proteins have been engineered to design novel adhesives, self-healing textiles, and the assembly of 2d-layered materials. Compared to conventional polymers, repetitive proteins are easy to modify and can assemble in various morphologies and molecular architectures. This research update discusses the molecular biology and materials science of polypeptides inspired by SRT proteins, their properties, and perspectives for future applications.
