Mimicking the Function of Eggshell Matrix Proteins: The Role of Multiplets of Charged Amino Acid Residues and Self‐Assembly of Peptides in Biomineralization

Abstract

An eggshell finish: Designed peptides can be used as a tool to unravel the structure–activity relationships of eggshell matrix proteins. The ordered arrangement of doublets of charged residues on the peptide and its self‐assembling characteristics play a key role in the biomimetic nucleation of polycrystalline calcite crystal aggregates (see picture), which models that initiated by the goose eggshell matrix protein, ansocalcin.

Designed peptides for biomineral polymorph recognition: a case study for calcium carbonate

“…The highly specic peptides obtained in the studies reported here could be utilized as "anchor groups" with synthetic polymers (serving as matrix components) to form new peptide polymers to mimic biological mineralization processes 13,14 or the self-aggregation of proteins involved in mineralization.…”

“…10 The mechanism underlying the selection of these crystal polymorphs is controversial, but it is accepted to depend on the organic matrix. [11][12][13][14] The exible polyelectrolyte hypotheses 15 assume that the interaction of the organic matrix with the mineral surface depends on charge rather than conformation. An alternative model relies mainly on the stereochemical match between the surface and surface ligands.…”

Synthesis, Functionalization, and Design of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Theranostic Applications

“…[291] Surprisingly, the combination of these biomineral-associating proteins and their mimic peptides has enabled the biomimicking of inorganic materials, especially magnetite nanoparticles. [292] In fact, this protein has been isolated from MTB to facilitate in vitro chemical synthesis of cuboidal magnetite nanoparticles similar to the ones produced in MTB. [288] Two main synthetic methods have been used to elucidate the function of the Mms6 protein for preparing magnetite crystals and use the function for an effective biomimicry.…”

Biomineralization of Calcium Carbonate. The Interplay with Biosubstrates

“…To investigate the role of these features in CaCO 3 mineralization a series of peptides were designed and their effect on CaCO 3 crystallization in solution was tested [96]. Peptides having ordered arrangements of doublets of charged residues and secondary structure of either -sheet or -sheet with turn facilitated the nucleation and growth of polycrystalline calcite crystal aggregates.…”