Amyloid Scaffolds As Alternative Chlorosomes

Living systems contain remarkable functional capability built within sophisticated self-organizing frameworks. Defining the assembly codes that coordinate these systems could greatly extend nanobiotechnology. To that end, we have highlighted the self-assembling architecture of the chlorosome antenna arrays and report the emulation and extension of their features for the development of cell-compatible photoredox materials. We specifically review work on amyloid peptide scaffolds able to (1) organize lightharvesting chromophores, (2) break peptide bilayer symmetry for directional energy and electron transfer, and (3) incorporate redox active metal ions at high density for energy storage.