Adaptation of Google DeepMind AI AlphaFold2 in Single Protein 3D Structure Prediction: A Critical Review

AlphaFold2, a deep neural network developed by Google DeepMind, revolutionized structural biology following its groundbreaking performance at the 2020 Critical Assessment of Structure Prediction (CASP) competition, where it achieved unprecedented near-experimental accuracy, significantly outperforming other computational models. This paper critically reviews AlphaFold2’s phased integration into protein science, evaluating its impact on three-dimensional protein structure prediction, its feasibility, and positioning within Gartner's Hype Cycle. Additionally, this review explores how AlphaFold2 accelerated artificial intelligence (AI)-driven protein structure prediction and highlights the potential of deep learning in scientific research. Finally, the future role of AlphaFold2 and its reception within the scientific community are considered.