What are protein nanofibrils?
Protein nanofibrils consist of highly ordered proteins with really interesting properties, which makes the material useful for a large number of biotechnological applications. In this context the name protein nanofibrils refers to fibrils with a diameter below 10 nm – 10,000 times thinner than a human hair – that possess unique structural features, which endows the material with a high mechanical and chemical resistance.
How do you use protein nanofibrils in biotechnology?
Since the nanomaterials consist entirely of protein, genetic engineering allows us to equip the nanofibrils with new functionalities. This strategy is the foundation for our versatile nanomaterials, as any type of protein can be displayed on the surface of protein nanofibrils.
Degrade antibiotics
Bind and purify antibodies
Increase the sensitivity of immunoassays
Produce chemicals
How do we produce functional protein nanofibrils?
We produce the nanomaterials using an engineered strain of the yeast Komagatella pastoris. This strain secretes the amyloid proteins into the cultivation medium where the proteins assemble into fibers. After cultivation, Komagatella pastoris is separated from the nanomaterial using centrifugation.