Complex Cascade Reaction Networks via Cross β Amyloid Nanotubes

Biocatalytic reaction networks integrate complex cascade transformations via spatial localization of multiple enzymes confined within the cellular milieu. Inspired by nature's ingenuity, we demonstrate that short peptide-based cross-beta amyloid nanotubular hybrids can promote different kinds of cascade reactions, from simple two-step, to multistep, to complex convergent cascades. The compartmentalizing ability of paracrystalline cross-beta phases was utilized to colocalize sarcosine oxidase (SOX) and hemin as an artificial peroxidase. Further, the catalytic potential of the amyloid nanotubes with ordered arrays of imidazoles were used as hydrolase mimic. The SOX-hemin amyloid nanohybrids featuring a single extant enzyme could integrate different logic networks to access complex digital designs with the help of three concatenated AND gates and biologically relevant stimuli as inputs.

Automated summary

Bioinspired by nature's ingenuity, short peptide-based cross-beta amyloid nanotubular hybrids were shown to promote various cascade reactions, while compartmentalizing enzymes within the cellular milieu. The ability to integrate different logic networks and access complex designs was achieved through the utilization of amyloid nanotubes with ordered arrays of imidazoles.