Artificial biocomposites of silk fibroin and amyloid fibrils

Researchers have combined two widely-studied fibrous protein assemblies – silk fibroin fibrils and amyloid fibrils – into a novel composite material. By varying the weight ratio of the two components, mechanical properties could be tuned: more amyloid fibril increased tensile modulus whereas more silk fibroin promotes tougher composites. The amyloid component could be enzymatically removed to generate a porous silk membrane.  Inorganic components were also added and a shape memory effect observed.  

Modulating Materials by Orthogonally Oriented β-Strands: Composites of Amyloid and Silk Fibroin Fibrils; S. Ling et al; Advanced Materials; DOI: 10.1002/adma.201400730

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.201400730/abstract

Graphene / MoS2 heterostructures for DNA detection

Researchers have fabricated a graphene/MoS₂ heterostructure for label-free selective detection of DNA hybridization. The graphene protected the MoS₂ from ambient moisture and oxygen and acted as a biocompatible host for the DNA molecules.  The photoluminescence intensity from the MoS₂ layer increased with increased concentration of target DNA. The differentiation of complementary and one-base mismatched DNA with the graphene/MoS₂ heterostructure could be performed at a concentration as low as 1 attomole.

Graphene/MoS2 Heterostructures for Ultrasensitive Detection of DNA Hybridisation; P.T.K. Loan et al, Advanced Materials; DOI: 10.1002/adma.201401084

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.201401084/abstract