Expanding the Genetic Code of Bioelectrocatalysis and Biomaterials
Yonatan Chemla, F. B. Kaufman, Miriam Amiram, Lital Alfonta
Abstract
Genetic code expansion is a promising genetic engineering technology that incorporates noncanonical amino acids into proteins alongside the natural set of 20 amino acids. This enables the precise encoding of non-natural chemical groups in proteins. This review focuses on the applications of genetic code expansion in bioelectrocatalysis and biomaterials. In bioelectrocatalysis, this technique enhances the efficiency and selectivity of bioelectrocatalysts for use in sensors, biofuel cells, and enzymatic electrodes. In biomaterials, incorporating non-natural chemical groups into protein-based polymers facilitates the modification, fine-tuning, or the engineering of new biomaterial properties. The review provides an overview of relevant technologies, discusses applications, and highlights achievements, challenges, and prospects in these fields.