Advancing methods to fabricate biocompatible materials
In a groundbreaking development, scientists at the University of Leeds have devised a novel approach for designing a new generation of synthetic biomaterials made from proteins. This innovative research, published online in the prestigious scientific journal ACS Nano, could pave the way for advancements in various fields, including joint repair, wound healing, healthcare, and food production.
The paper, titled "Control of Nanoscale in situ Protein Unfolding Defines Network Architecture and Mechanics of Protein Hydrogels," was authored by researchers led by Dr Matt Hughes from the School of Physics and Astronomy at Leeds. The study was conducted with the assistance of Professor David Brockwell and Sophie Cussons from the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology at Leeds, and Professor Lorna Dougan, who supervised the research.
The research team was able to alter the structure of a protein network by removing specific chemical bonds called "protein staples." This change in structure results in very different mechanical properties for the biomaterial. Dr Ben Hanson, a Research Associate in the School of Physics and Astronomy at Leeds, modeled the structural changes taking place and found that it was specifically the act of protein unfolding during network formation that was crucial in defining the network architecture of the protein hydrogels.
The visualization of the network of proteins shows unfolded protein building blocks colored yellow, connected with folded protein building blocks. This intricate dance of folded and unfolded proteins forms a complex network, the understanding of which is essential for the development of these revolutionary biomaterials. (Image credit: Lorna Dougan and Phospho animations)
Professor Andrea Rentmeister and her team at the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) developed a method to alter the composition of protein biomaterials by using modified cofactors to attach longer alkyl chains to various biomolecules, thereby changing their biological activity and localization within the cell. This ability provides a powerful route to creating functional biomaterials with controllable architecture and mechanics.
The project was supported by a grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/P02288X/1) and involved the use of facilities at the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology and School of Physics and Astronomy at Leeds, as well as the ISIS Neutron Muon Source facility at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire.
The challenge now is to control and fine-tune the way protein building blocks assemble into complex protein networks. Further details can be obtained by contacting David Lewis in the media office at the University of Leeds ([email protected]). This research represents a significant step forward in the field of synthetic biomaterials and could lead to a new era of medical and industrial applications.
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