Genetically Programmed Single-Component Protein Hydrogel for Spinal Cord Injury Repair.

ABSTRACT: Protein self-assembly allows for the formation of diverse supramolecular materials from relatively simple building blocks. In this study, a single-component self-assembling hydrogel is developed using the recombinant protein CsgA, and its successful application for spinal cord injury repair is demonstrated. Gelation is achieved by the physical entanglement of CsgA nanofibrils, resulting in a self-supporting hydrogel at low concentrations (≥5 mg mL^-1). By leveraging the programmability of the CsgA gene sequence, the bioactive hydrogel is enhanced by fusing functional peptide GHK. GHK is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neurotrophic factor-stimulating properties, making it a valuable addition to the hydrogel for spinal cord injury repair applications. In vitr

SUBMITTER: Wei Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11904991 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature