Reversible light-responsive protein hydrogel for on-demand cell encapsulation and release.

ABSTRACT: The design of biomaterials that can reconfigure on-demand in response to external stimuli is an emerging area in materials research. However, achieving reversible assembly of protein-based biomaterials by light input remains a major challenge. Here, we present the engineering of a new protein material that is capable of switching between liquid and solid state reversibly, controlled by lights of different wavelengths. The materials are created by incorporating a light-responsive mutant Dronpa protein domain into the backbone of Elastin-Like Proteins (termed DELPs). We show that the DELP material can respond to light and undergo multiple cycles of switching between hydrogel and solution, outperforming the conventional irreversible materials. Additionally, the material is biocompatible with

SUBMITTER: Narayan OP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11847564 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature