Scaffold (Biological Definition)
A scaffold is a structural or molecular platform that supports the spatial organization and functional integration of biological components. In molecular biology and bioengineering, scaffolds are used to:
- Anchor proteins, tags, or ligands
- Facilitate selective cargo loading
- Enable molecular assembly or delivery
Example: CD63 as Scaffold
In engineered extracellular vesicles, CD63 is used as a membrane-anchored scaffold to:
- Display mCherry on the luminal side
- Present FLAG-tags externally
- Enable cargo binding via nanobody–fluorophore interaction