Protein nanotubes have a wide range of applications due to their unique properties:
1. Drug Delivery: Their biocompatibility makes them ideal candidates for targeted drug delivery. They can encapsulate therapeutic agents and release them at specific sites within the body. 2. Biosensing: Protein nanotubes can be functionalized with enzymes or other biomolecules to create highly sensitive biosensors for detecting various biological markers and environmental contaminants. 3. Nanoreactors: They can act as nanoscale reactors, where chemical reactions are carried out within the confined environment of the nanotube, enhancing reaction rates and selectivity. 4. Tissue Engineering: Protein nanotubes can serve as scaffolds in tissue engineering, promoting cell adhesion and growth to repair or replace damaged tissues. 5. Electronics: They have potential in the development of bio-electronic devices, such as bio-field effect transistors (BioFETs), due to their ability to conduct electrical signals.
