Reflectin as a Material for Neural Stem Cell Growth

Cephalopods possess remarkable camouflage
capabilities, which are
enabled by their complex skin structure and sophisticated nervous
system. Such unique characteristics have in turn inspired the design
of novel functional materials and devices. Within this context, recent
studies have focused on investigating the self-assembly, optical,
and electrical properties of reflectin, a protein that plays a key
role in cephalopod structural coloration. Herein, we report the discovery
that reflectin constitutes an effective material for the growth of
human neural stem/progenitor cells. Our findings may hold relevance
both for understanding cephalopod embryogenesis and for developing
improved protein-based bioelectronic devices.