How to define and study structural proteins as biopolymer materials
Keiji Numata
Abstract
Abstract Structural proteins, including silk fibroins, play an important role in shaping the skeletons and structures of cells, tissues, and organisms. The amino acid sequences of structural proteins often show characteristic features, such as a repeating tandem motif, that are notably different from those of functional proteins such as enzymes and antibodies. In recent years, materials composed of or containing structural proteins have been studied and developed as biomedical, apparel, and structural materials. This review outlines the definition of structural proteins, methods for characterizing structural proteins as polymeric materials, and potential applications.
Topics & Concepts
BiopolymerStructural motifSILKChemistryStructural proteinAmino acidProtein structurePolymer scienceBiochemistryComputational biologyMaterials scienceBiologyPolymerOrganic chemistryComposite materialGeneSilk-based biomaterials and applicationsBiochemical and Structural CharacterizationAntimicrobial Peptides and Activities