Molecular Display on Protein Nanocompartments: Design Strategies and Systems Applications

The design of biomimetic systems in the laboratory is a long-sought goal for systems chemists and synthetic biologists alike. Fundamental to this design is the generation of self-assembled structures capable of mimicking compartmentalisation, which includes the encapsulation of molecular cargo as well as the display of molecules on the exterior. Protein nanocompartments are fast becoming popular scaffolds for these systems due to their robust self-assembly, ability to encapsulate non-native cargo, and amenability to surface modifications. In this Review, we discuss the primary methods for displaying a wide array of molecular motifs on compartment surfaces. We discuss benefits and drawbacks of each type of display and examine three recent case studies wherein molecular display was a critical design element in the construction of multi-enzyme chemical systems. The analyses and case studies presented in this Review aim to provide a critical summary of the technologies currently used for molecular display to add another dimension to the design of chemical systems and nanoreactors.

Automated summary

This review discusses the importance of designing biomimetic systems in the laboratory, with a focus on key methods and case studies in displaying molecular motifs on compartment surfaces. The research shows that protein nanocompartments are currently emerging as the primary scaffolds for these systems.