Stimuli-Responsive Protein Engineered Block Polymer Hydrogels

Engineered protein hydrogels are an excellent resource for biomaterials development since they possess controllable pore sizes, flexible morphologies, and tunable mechanical properties. Manipulation of the protein secondary structure can accommodate diverse biological properties and associated applications. Protein-based block polymers have been used for the development of hydrogels with potential biomedical applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. We have engineered a protein triblock polymer, CEC, comprised of two self-assembling domains (SADs): cartilage oligomeric matrix protein coiled-coil (C) and elastin (E) domains. CEC is capable of forming a thermoresponsive hydrogel with the ability to encapsulate small molecules into the hydrophobic core of the C blocks. At low concentrations, CEC assembles into a micellar-like protein particle induced by the E domain. As assessed though rheology, it demonstrates elastic character that is dependent on the C blocks and micelle packing. It exhibits reversible folding and unfolding as well as enhanced small molecule recognition and binding.