Amyloids refer to abnormal fibrous extracellular and
proteinaceous deposits found in organs and tissues that form
insoluble constructs that are resistant to degradation. Their
formation can accompany disease, where each disease is
characterized by a specific protein or peptide aggregate. The
nanomechanical properties of amyloid fibrils and nanocrystals
depend on their secondary and quaternary structure and
intermolecular geometry. Scientists have used advanced imaging
methods including atomic force microscopy (AFM) to unravel the
morphological and mechanical heterogeneity of amyloids, although it
is difficult to obtain a full understanding based on conventional
spectroscopic methods.
