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Biodegradable nanocomposites of amyloid fibrils and graphene with shape-memory and enzyme-sensing properties

Nature Nanotechnology volume 7, pages 421–427 (2012)Cite this article

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Abstract

Graphene has exceptional mechanical and electronic properties1,2,3, but its hydrophobic nature is a disadvantage in biologically related applications4,5. Amyloid fibrils are naturally occurring protein aggregates that are stable in solution or under highly hydrated conditions, have well-organized supramolecular structures and outstanding strength6,7. Here, we show that graphene and amyloid fibrils can be combined to create a new class of biodegradable composite materials with adaptable properties. This new composite material is inexpensive, highly conductive and can be degraded by enzymes. Furthermore, it can reversibly change shape in response to variations in humidity, and can be used in the design of biosensors for quantifying the activity of enzymes. The properties of the composite can be fine-tuned by changing the graphene-to-amyloid ratio.

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Figure 1: Schematic representation showing the fabrication of free-standing films of amyloid fibrils–graphene composites.
Figure 2: Interaction of amyloid fibrils and GO.
Figure 3: Interaction of reduced graphene nanosheets with amyloid fibrils.
Figure 4: Structural characterization of free-standing hybrid nanocomposite films.
Figure 5: Physical, biodegradable and enzyme-sensing properties of the hybrid nanocomposite films.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank S. Handschin for SEM images. H. Adelmann, J. Rao and T. Schweizer are acknowledged for assistance with mechanical, electrical conductivity and thermal gravimetric analysis measurements, respectively.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ETH Zurich, Food & Soft Materials Science, Schmelzbergstrasse 9, LFO, Zürich, E23 8092, Switzerland

    Chaoxu Li, Jozef Adamcik & Raffaele Mezzenga

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  1. Chaoxu Li
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  2. Jozef Adamcik
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  3. Raffaele Mezzenga
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Contributions

C.L. performed the study, the experiments and wrote the paper. J.A. performed the AFM analysis. R.M. designed the study, directed the work and wrote the paper.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Raffaele Mezzenga.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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Li, C., Adamcik, J. & Mezzenga, R. Biodegradable nanocomposites of amyloid fibrils and graphene with shape-memory and enzyme-sensing properties. Nature Nanotech 7, 421–427 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nnano.2012.62

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