From Diseases To Devices
31 Jul 08
Dr Sally Gras, Bio21 Institute researcher in nano and biochemical engineering anticipates "a lot of exciting developments" in the synthesis and use of amyloid fibrils in the next 12 months. She contributes to a recent article in Chemical & Engineering News that refers to her work with Christopher M. Dobson, Professor of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge, and physicist Cait E. MacPhee of the University of Edinburgh, in Scotland as an example of possibilities for adding functionality and bioactivity to synthesised fibrils. The protein origin and strength and rigidity of synthesised fibrils may make them more stable under physiological conditions than other bionanomaterials, and lead to application in sophisticated and resilient medical devices for implants, strong but degradable materials for manufacturing, light harvesting devices and nano-electrical components. Read the article.
