Issue 1, 2020

Synthesis of bio-inspired viscoelastic molecular networks by metal-induced protein assembly

Abstract

An inducible protein assembly system is desirable for developing high-order biomolecular architectures with dynamic properties. Here we demonstrate the creation of molecular networks with distinct stress-relaxation behavior using metal-induced protein assembly—a process that involves the folding and reconstitution of a pair of split IgG-binding GB1 proteins. In addition, metal–ligand coordination within the protein networks exerted great influence over their viscoelastic properties. The resulting protein networks are self-healable, amenable to biochemical decoration via SpyTag/SpyCatcher chemistry, and compatible with 3D culture of fibroblasts. This study points to a simple and robust strategy for designing recombinant protein hydrogels with tunable biochemical and mechanical properties.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis of bio-inspired viscoelastic molecular networks by metal-induced protein assembly

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
20 ⴱⵕⴰ 2019
Accepted
10 ⵎⴰⵢ 2019
First published
10 ⵎⴰⵢ 2019

Mol. Syst. Des. Eng., 2020,5, 117-124

Synthesis of bio-inspired viscoelastic molecular networks by metal-induced protein assembly

Y. Cao, X. Wei, Y. Lin and F. Sun, Mol. Syst. Des. Eng., 2020, 5, 117 DOI: 10.1039/C9ME00027E

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