Engineering shape memory and morphing protein hydrogels based on protein unfolding and folding.

ABSTRACT: Engineering shape memory/morphing materials have achieved considerable progress in polymer-based systems with broad potential applications. However, engineering protein-based shape memory/morphing materials remains challenging and under-explored. Here we report the design of a bilayer protein-based shape memory/morphing hydrogel based on protein folding-unfolding mechanism. We fabricate the protein-bilayer structure using two tandem modular elastomeric proteins (GB1)₈ and (FL)₈. Both protein layers display distinct denaturant-dependent swelling profiles and Young's moduli. Due to such protein unfolding-folding induced changes in swelling, the bilayer hydrogels display highly tunable and reversible bidirectional bending deformation depending upon the denaturant concent

SUBMITTER: Bian Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8748998 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature