[Progress and perspectives of surface layer proteins from Bacillus species--a review].

S-layer proteins are crystalline arrays composed of numerous identical protein or glycoprotein subunits. They comprise the outermost cell envelope component in most archaea and many bacteria. The remarkable properties of S-layer proteins are their capability to self-assemble and specific binding, which give S-layer proteins a wide application potential in nanotechnology and biomimetics. Recently most study in this field was concerned on the S-layer proteins of Bacillus species. This review provided a brief survey of the current state of the study about the genetics, function, properties, pathogenic correlation and application of the S-layer proteins of Bacillus species. The aim of this review was to gain more knowledge about the function of S-layers and lead to the development of new types of surface display system and recombinant vaccines, diagnostic agents and biocompatible surfaces.