Enzymatic hydrogelation of small molecules

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Enzymology

Background:

• Enzymes are Nature's catalysts, crucial for biological reactions.
• Self-assembly is vital in biology, forming cellular structures and influencing disease.
• Small organic molecules can self-assemble into nanofibers, forming supramolecular hydrogels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore enzyme-regulated molecular self-assembly in aqueous media.
• To understand and control biological processes through enzyme-induced hydrogelation.
• To discuss the design and application of enzyme-catalyzed supramolecular hydrogels.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing enzymes like phosphatase, thermolysin, and beta-lactamase to trigger hydrogelation.
• Investigating in vitro and in vivo, extracellular and intracellular hydrogel formation.
• Designing precursors that convert into hydrogelators via enzymatic reactions.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated enzyme-catalyzed formation of supramolecular hydrogels.
• Showcased applications in enzyme activity detection and inhibitor screening.
• Highlighted potential in bacterial typing, drug delivery, and cell fate control.

Conclusions:

• Enzyme-regulated hydrogelation provides a novel strategy for creating sophisticated biomaterials.
• Intracellular hydrogelation integrates self-assembly with cellular enzymatic reactions for advanced therapeutics.
• This approach offers precise control over hydrogel function based on biological conditions.