Bio-inspired short peptide self-assembly: From particles to functional materials

Natural systems are typically featured with tremendous molecular complexity and construct exquisite architectures and functional materials through precise spatial and temporal control. Supramolecular self-assembly from peptides and proteins is believed to be the key player. Thus, knowledge of the fundamental mechanisms driving peptides into vast functional hierarchical structures will certainly help the rational control of self-assembly process, leading to more precise structural organization and functional optimization. In this review, we briefly summarize the recent progress of this burgeoning field mainly from two directions: peptide-based self-assembly and co-assembly with other functional molecules, each part is further divided into two subparts and representative examples are given for each subpart according to their development timeline. At the end of each part, brief summaries of the closely related applications are outlined. For the closing remarks, we conclude with our own understanding of the area and perspectives are given based on recent developments. Overall, this review could be suitable for both new readers to gain a comprehensive overview of the area and experienced readers to get a summary of the development in short peptide self-assembly from particles to functional materials.