July 6, 2017 Material design empowered by protein sequence space. Credit: Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, HKUST
Hydrogels, noted for their biomimetic properties, are the leading materials for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery and stem cell therapy. Traditional hydrogels made up of either synthetic polymers or natural biomolecules often serve as passive scaffolds for molecular or cellular species, which render these materials unable to fully recapitulate the dynamic signaling involved in biological processes, such as cell/tissue development.
Photo-responsive hydrogels are of particular interest to material scientists, because light is regarded as an ideal tool to control molecules or cell behavior with high spatiotemporal precision and little invasiveness. The major challenge for scientist is how to assemble these complex globular proteins into supramolecular architectures efficiently while preserving their function.
In a recent research, a group of scientists from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology created a B12-dependent light-sensing hydrogel by covalently stitching together the photoreceptor C-terminal adenosylcobalamin binding domain (CarHC) proteins under mild conditions. This direct assembly of stimuli-responsive proteins into hydrogels represents a versatile solution for designing "smart" materials and opens up enormous opportunities for future material biology.
The findings were published in the journal PNAS on June 6, 2017.
"In our research, we were able to create an entirely recombinant protein-based light-sensitive hydrogels by covalently assembling the CarHC photoreceptor proteins using genetically encoded SpyTag-SpyCatcher chemistry," said Fei Sun, author of the paper and assistant professor at HKUST's department of chemical and biomolecular engineering. "The AdoB12-dependent CarHC tetramerization has been shown to be essential for the formation of an elastic hydrogel in the dark, which can undergo a rapid gel-sol transition caused by light-induced CarHC disassembly."
"The resulting hydrogel composed of physically self-assembled CarHC polymers exhibited a rapid gel-sol transition on light exposure, which enabled the facile release/recovery of 3T3 fibroblasts and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) from 3D cultures while maintaining their viability." Sun added. "Given the growing demand for creating stimuli-responsive "smart" hydrogels, the direct assembly of stimuli-responsive proteins into hydrogels represents a versatile strategy for designing dynamically tunable materials."
Explore further: Investigating folding stability and dynamics of proteins
More information: Ri Wang et al, B12-dependent photoresponsive protein hydrogels for controlled stem cell/protein release, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2017). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1621350114
Journal reference: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Provided by: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Hydrogels are polymer materials that can absorb a large amount of water, making them flexible like human tissue. They are used in a number of medical applications, including contact lenses, wound dressings, and facial reconstruction.
The U.S. Army Research Laboratory's Army Research Office (ARO) recently awarded a New York University Polytechnic School of Engineering researcher a grant to advance protein-engineered, environmentally responsive hydrogels ...
(Phys.org)A team of researchers at Johannes Kepler University Linz has developed a new type of glue that can be used to bond hydrogels to other hard or soft objects. In their paper published on the open-access site Science ...
Researchers at Okayama University describe in Acta Biomaterialia a new type of biocompatible adhesive material. The adhesive, made from nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite, glues both synthetic hydrogels and mouse soft tissue, ...
Carnegie Mellon University chemists have developed two novel methods to characterize 3-dimensional macroporous hydrogelsmaterials that hold great promise for developing "smart" responsive materials that can be used for ...
The human body has limited ability to self-repair damage to cartilage or bone. Implantable 'bioscaffold' materials that can be seeded with cells can potentially be used to regenerate these critical tissues. One such biomaterial ...
A new low-temperature solution printing technique allows fabrication of high-efficiency perovskite solar cells with large crystals intended to minimize current-robbing grain boundaries. The meniscus-assisted solution printing ...
In the battle of the batteries, lithium-ion technology is the reigning champion, powering that cellphone in your pocket as well as an increasing number of electric vehicles on the road.
(Phys.org)The synthesis of carboxylic acid derivatives from unsaturated carbon compounds is important for making chemicals used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, polymers, and agrochemicals. In industry this reaction is done ...
During sepsis, cells are swamped with reactive oxygen species generated in an aberrant response of the immune system to a local infection. If this fatal inflammatory path could be interfered, new treatment schemes could be ...
Marijuana is now legal for recreational or medicinal use in at least 28 states and the District of Columbia. But driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal no matter which state you're in. To enforce the law, authorities ...
Researchers at The University of Manchester in collaboration with Central South University (CSU), China, have created a new kind of ceramic coating that could revolutionise hypersonic travel for air, space and defense purposes.
Please sign in to add a comment. Registration is free, and takes less than a minute. Read more
See the original post:
Photo-responsive protein hydrogels as agent for controlled stem cell/protein release - Phys.Org
- Spotlight on Cancer Stem Cell Research – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2011]
- Stem Cells and Controversy – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2011]
- Lisa Ray asks you to join Stem Cell City – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2011]
- Michael Savage...Embryonic Stell Cell Research...Part 2 [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2011]
- Michael Savage...Embryonic Stell Cell Research...Part 3 [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy at City of Hope: Building on the Promise [Last Updated On: August 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 8th, 2011]
- Obama on Embryonic Stem Cell Research [Last Updated On: August 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 9th, 2011]
- Medical Treatment by Stem Cells Myth or Reality? Episode 2 - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Stem Cells Regenerate New Finger! - Video [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2011]
- MS Patient After Stem Cell Therapy - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Transplant - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- The EU and stem cell research - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2011]
- Dr. Oz to Oprah and Michael J Fox: "The stem cell debate is dead." - Video [Last Updated On: December 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 8th, 2011]
- Politics: President Obama on Stem Cell Research - Video [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2011]
- Be still my beating stem cell heart - Video [Last Updated On: December 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 18th, 2011]
- Adult Stem Cell vs Embryonic Stem Cell Research Ethics Video - Video [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2011]
- A new hair loss treatment using stem cells ethically, safely and effectively. - Video [Last Updated On: December 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 31st, 2011]
- U-M Would Have To Report Data On Stell Cell Research In New House Bill [Last Updated On: March 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 30th, 2012]
- Stem Cells Restore Man's Vision | The art of cord blood banking [Last Updated On: January 4th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 4th, 2013]
- Cancer Stem Cells – Video – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: January 7th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 7th, 2013]
- Research and Markets: Stem Cell Therapy Market in Asia-Pacific to ... [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2013]
- Genea Stem Cells (GSC): 25 new disease specific pluripotent stem ... [Last Updated On: January 14th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 14th, 2013]
- Court lifts cloud over embryonic stem cells – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: January 16th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 16th, 2013]
- Drug targets leukemia stem cells – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: January 18th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 18th, 2013]
- CRF to sponsor 8th International Conference on ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: January 19th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 19th, 2013]
- Bacteria Can Morph Host Cells Into Stem Cells – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: January 21st, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 21st, 2013]
- Springhill Medical Group-What is Stem Cell Therapy? - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2013]
- Stem Cells – A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated ... [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2013]
- StemCells, Inc. to Present at Phacilitate Cell ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: January 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 24th, 2013]
- Stem cells aid recovery from stroke – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: January 28th, 2013] [Originally Added On: January 28th, 2013]
- Adult Stem Cells Regrow cut off Finger! – Video – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: February 4th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 4th, 2013]
- Stem cells is no hype but it is a better hope: Experts – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2013]
- 3D printing with stem cells could lead to printable organs – Stem ... [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2013]
- Monell scientists identify taste stem cells on the tongue – Stem Cell ... [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2013]
- Scientists Say 3D Printing Can Create Stem Cells – Video – Stem ... [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2013]
- Fish stem cells could light the way to optical breakthroughs – Stem ... [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2013]
- Signaling factors may be key to stem cells' healing abilities ... [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2013]
- Regenerative medicine and Stem cells Partnering Terms and ... [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2013]
- Market Research Report — Therapeutic ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2013]
- Cell therapy: New mouse model promises to advance research on ... [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2013]
- Florida Hospital Pepin Heart Institute, USF partner ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2013]
- Schistosome stem cells could explain how the worms survive for so ... [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2013]
- Egg cells from Stell Cells: A breakthrough in fertility research | Bionic ... [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2013]
- BioMarin Licenses Factor VIII Gene Therapy ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2013] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2013]
- 'Holy Grail' of stem cell research discovered – Stem Cell Clinic ... [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2013] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2013]
- OHSU Doernbecher Scientists First To Grow Liver Stem Cells In ... [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2013] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2013]
- FRC's Dr. David Prentice Congratulates Kansas ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: March 5th, 2013] [Originally Added On: March 5th, 2013]
- UCLA researchers explore cutting edge of stem cells – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: March 10th, 2013] [Originally Added On: March 10th, 2013]
- Study finds stem cells in deer antler – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2013] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2013]
- IDIBELL signs agreement with Histocell to use ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: March 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2013]
- Stem Cell Therapy Market in Asia-Pacific to 2018 Market Research ... [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2013] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2013]
- Researchers first to use common virus to 'fortify' adult stem cells ... [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2013]
- Stem Cells Harvested From Human Gut For First Time - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: April 6th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 6th, 2013]
- "Nanokicking" Stem Cells Offers Cheaper And Easier Way To Grow ... [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2013]
- Adhesive force differences enable separation of stem cells to ... [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2013]
- Embryonic-like stem cells collected from adults to grow bone – Stem ... [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2013]
- Pro-lifers eye Kansas for top study of stem cells; no embryo use at ... [Last Updated On: April 12th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 12th, 2013]
- StemCells, Inc. Enters Agreement to Receive $19.3 ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: April 12th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 12th, 2013]
- 'Smart' stem cells repair damage from heart failure – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: April 12th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 12th, 2013]
- First-in-humans study introduces next generation ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: April 13th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 13th, 2013]
- Stem Cells Show Promise in Heart Failure Patients – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2013]
- IDIBELL signs agreement with Histocell to use … – Stem Cell Cafe ... [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2013]
- Circuit Court OKs Funding of Embryonic Stem Cell Research ... [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2013]
- Pros And Cons Of Stem Cell Research [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2013]
- Adult stem cells offer ethical, effective cures, speakers say ... - First [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2013]
- Preliminary Research, Led By Dr. Vincent Giampapa, Finds Aged ... [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2013]
- Voices Against Brain Cancer Comments on New Study Claiming Fat ... [Last Updated On: April 20th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 20th, 2013]
- UCLA Researchers Develop New Method for Purifying Stem Cells ... [Last Updated On: April 23rd, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 23rd, 2013]
- Scientist identifies protein molecule used to ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2013]
- Human Stem Cells Injected In Mice Restore Memory, Learning ... [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2013]
- Explore the Forefront of iPS Cell Research ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2013]
- Stem Cell Therapy Market in Asia-Pacific to 2018 ... [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2013]
- Dr. Farshid Guilak: Can stem cells help those with arthritis? – Stem ... [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2013]
- AKC Canine Health Foundation Releases Webinar ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2013]
- German stem cells give new life to cancer patient in Gujarat – Stem ... [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2013]
- Stem Cell Therapy Market in Asia-Pacific to 2018 ... - Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2013]
- Study confirms that mesenchymal stem cells may help treat cancer ... [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2013]
- Adults lack stem cells for making new eggs, research shows – Stem ... [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2013]
- Stemedica Issued U.S. Patent For Ectodermal Stem Cells – Stem ... [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2013] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2013]
- Clarifying the effect of stem cell therapy on cancer – Stem Cell Cafe [Last Updated On: May 2nd, 2013] [Originally Added On: May 2nd, 2013]