Necessity of regulatory guidelines for the development of amyloid based biomaterials

Biomater Sci. 2021 Jun 15;9(12):4410-4422. doi: 10.1039/d1bm00059d.

Abstract

Amyloid diseases are caused due to protein homeostasis failure where incorrectly folded proteins/peptides form cross-β-sheet rich amyloid fibrillar structures. Besides proteins/peptides, small metabolite assemblies also exhibit amyloid-like features. These structures are linked to several human and animal diseases. In addition, non-toxic amyloids with diverse physiological roles are characterized as a new functional class. This finding, along with the unique properties of amyloid like stability and mechanical strength, led to a surge in the development of amyloid-based biomaterials. However, the usage of these materials by humans and animals may pose a health risk such as the development of amyloid diseases and toxicity. This is possible because amyloid-based biomaterials and their fragments may assist seeding and cross-seeding mechanisms of amyloid formation in the body. This review summarizes the potential uses of amyloids as biomaterials, the concerns regarding their usage, and a prescribed workflow to initiate a regulatory approach.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid*
  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials*
  • Humans
  • Peptides
  • Protein Conformation, beta-Strand

Substances

  • Amyloid
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Peptides