De novo rational design of a freestanding, supercharged polypeptide, proton-conducting membrane.

ABSTRACT: Proton translocation enables important processes in nature and man-made technologies. However, controlling proton conduction and fabrication of devices exploiting biomaterials remains a challenge. Even more difficult is the design of protein-based bulk materials without any functional starting scaffold for further optimization. Here, we show the rational design of proton-conducting, protein materials exceeding reported proteinaceous systems. The carboxylic acid-rich structures were evolved step by step by exploring various sequences from intrinsically disordered coils over supercharged nanobarrels to hierarchically spider β sheet containing protein-supercharged polypeptide chimeras. The latter material is characterized by interconnected β sheet nanodomains decorated on their surface by car

SUBMITTER: Ma C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7439445 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature