scientists design symmetric protein polymers from scratch

[scruffy]

Welcome to the new world of bioengineering.

Scientists have now designed protein polymers from scratch. Even ones not found in nature.

Four-component protein nanocages designed by programmed symmetry breaking - Nature

Using viral capsid architectures as template for design, higher triangulation number nanocages that require symmetry breaking offer potential advances in targeted delivery and antigen-displaying vaccines.

www.nature.com

This pertains directly to cell surface proteins, viruses, and a host of other applications.

 

[Nobody911]

Welcome to the new world of bioengineering.

Scientists have now designed protein polymers from scratch. Even ones not found in nature.

Four-component protein nanocages designed by programmed symmetry breaking - Nature

Using viral capsid architectures as template for design, higher triangulation number nanocages that require symmetry breaking offer potential advances in targeted delivery and antigen-displaying vaccines.

www.nature.com

This pertains directly to cell surface proteins, viruses, and a host of other applications.

The ability to design protein polymers from scratch, including those not found in nature, could indeed revolutionize numerous fields, with both positive and negative consequences.

Positive Consequences:

1. Medical Advancements: Custom-designed proteins could lead to breakthroughs in drug delivery systems, targeting specific cells while minimizing side effects. They could also enable the development of new vaccines and therapies for diseases previously deemed untreatable.

2. Biotechnology: Tailored proteins could enhance agricultural productivity through genetically engineered crops that resist pests or adapt to climate change.

3. Material Science: Novel protein polymers could be used to create biodegradable materials, reducing plastic waste and creating sustainable consumer products.

Negative Consequences:

1. **Ethical Concerns: The manipulation of proteins raises ethical questions about bioengineering and the potential for misuse, such as creating bioweapons or genetically modified organisms that could disrupt ecosystems. For instance, certain pathogens could theoretically be manipulated to enhance their virulence or resistance to treatment, potentially leading to the creation of bioweapons. Moreover, techniques like CRISPR gene editing enable precise modifications to DNA, potentially providing tools to create harmful biological agents( yes, they can cause human, animal, or crop epidemics ). These biological agents can spread through various means, including direct contact, contaminated food or water, vectors (like mosquitoes), and environmental exposure, leading to significant health, economic, and ecological impacts.

2. Health Risks: Introducing synthetic proteins into biological systems might lead to unforeseen immune responses or long-term health effects, as our bodies may not be equipped to handle these novel constructs.

3. Biodiversity Threats: Engineered organisms could outcompete natural species, leading to biodiversity loss and destabilizing ecosystems.

Conclusion

Duality of science & tech ==> double-edged sword

 

[Sherlock Holmes]

Welcome to the new world of bioengineering.

Scientists have now designed protein polymers from scratch. Even ones not found in nature.

Four-component protein nanocages designed by programmed symmetry breaking - Nature

Using viral capsid architectures as template for design, higher triangulation number nanocages that require symmetry breaking offer potential advances in targeted delivery and antigen-displaying vaccines.

www.nature.com

This pertains directly to cell surface proteins, viruses, and a host of other applications.

Yes we know, that when we introduce intelligence to these interactions we can create incredible things, this has been know since the dawn of human existence why are you only just now discovering this?