Progress in silica polypeptide composite colloidal hybrids: from silica cores to fuzzy shells

Core–shell particles have attracted increased interest in the past two decades. The properties of these composite materials are a symbiosis between the core and shell features which neither can exhibit separately. Polypeptide composite particles (PCPs) are a newly expanding field of hybrid materials with potential future impact in a broad variety of applications. In this review, we present an overview about the progress made on designing PCPs. Past and present limitations in the fabrication of the cores and shells alone will be outlined. A special emphasis will be placed on the future challenges directed to design better materials by expanding the architectural repertoire which will benefit their functionality and their range of applications. The review also presents possible future trends and challenges in engineering polypeptide-based materials as platforms for targeted applications.