Topofolds are nanostructures built from polypeptide arrays of interacting modules that define their topology. This review focuses on the current state-of-the-art in the field of topological polypeptide folds. It starts with a brief overwiev of the field of structural DNA and RNA nanotechnology, from which it draws parallels and possible directions of development for the emerging field of polypeptide-based nanotechnology. The principles of topofold strategy and unique properties of such polypeptide nanostructures in comparison to native protein folds are discussed. Reasons for the apparent absence of such folds in nature are also examined. Physico-chemical versatility of amino acid residues and cost-effective production makes polypeptides an attractive platform for designed functional bionanomaterials.
COBISS.SI-ID: 37569029