Complex chiral particles: Synthetic colloids are usually smooth, but nature can produce micrometer-scale particles with intricate structure and shape, such as the coccoliths produced by algae. Jiang et al. controlled the self-assembly of gold–cysteine nanoplatelets into a variety of chiral, hierarchically organized colloidal particles by changing the chiral fraction of cysteine and the nucleation temperature. Organic cations created electrostatic repulsions that favored edge assembly of the nanoplatelets, which in turn could create surfaces bearing twisted spikes. Science , this issue p. 642

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have drawn extensive research interest as candidates for enzyme immobilization owing to their tunable porosity, high surface area, and excellent chemical/thermal stability. Herein, we report a facile and universal strategy for enzyme immobilization using highly stable hierarchically porous metal–organic frameworks (HP-MOFs). The HP-MOFs were stable over a wide pH range (pH = 2–11 for HP-DUT-5) and met the catalysis conditions of most enzymes. The as-prepared hierarchical micro/mesoporous MOFs with mesoporous defects showed a superior adsorption capacity towards enzymes. The maximum adsorption capacity of HP-DUT-5 for glucose oxidase (GOx) and uricase was 208 mg g⁻¹ and 225 mg g⁻¹, respectively. Furthermore, we constructed two multi-enzyme biosensors for glucose and uric acid (UA) by immobilizing GOx and uricase with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on HP-DUT-5, respectively. These sensors were efficiently applied in the colorimetric detection of glucose and UA and showed good sensitivity, selectivity, and recyclability.

This review summarizes the synthesis of peptide–inorganic nanomaterials with different dimensions based on biomimetic mineralization and their applications in sensing, biomedicine, chiral optics, and catalysis.

Addressing critical challenges in perishable fruit preservation, including hydrophobic surface treatment, protective layer adhesion on complex cuticles, and synergistic integration of preservation components, here we present an eco-friendly amyloid-like protein coating strategy developed through computer-aided molecular simulation. This system employs phase-transitioned lysozyme as an adhesive layer bonded to fruit epicuticular wax, synergized with sodium alginate and cellulose nanocrystals to form a proteinaceous barrier. Validated across 17 fruit varieties, the coating extends shelf-life by 2-5-fold through microbial inhibition, moisture loss reduction, and rot delay, while maintaining 60–98% nutrient retention, surpassing chemical preservation efficacy without toxicity risks. With edible properties, easy washability, and low cost, the coating demonstrates universal applicability for post-harvest and fresh-cut fruits. Notably, it reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 90% versus refrigeration while achieving 2.5-fold longer shelf-life. These positions the amyloid-like protein coating as a practical and sustainable approach to mitigating global food waste issues.