Amyloid-Based Injectable Hydrogel Derived from Hydrolyzed Hen Egg White Lysozyme.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Protein Chemistry

Background:

• Injectable hydrogels are promising for biomedical applications.
• High cost of synthetic peptides limits practical use.
• Natural proteins offer an economical alternative peptide source.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an economical injectable hydrogel from hydrolyzed natural protein peptides.
• To utilize hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) as a model protein.
• To explore the hydrogel's properties and potential as a drug carrier.

Main Methods:

• Hydrolysis of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL).
• Formation of amyloid hydrogel using HEWL peptides and magnesium ions.
• Characterization of hydrogel properties (amyloid fibrils, thixotropy, cytotoxicity).
• Development of a fluorescence assay to control HEWL hydrolysis extent.
• Evaluation of doxorubicin delivery using the hydrogel.

Main Results:

• An injectable amyloid hydrogel was successfully prepared from hydrolyzed HEWL.
• The hydrogel exhibits a dense network of amyloid fibrils, thixotropic behavior, and low cytotoxicity.
• Hydrolysis extent of HEWL is critical for hydrogel performance.
• A fluorescence assay precisely controls hydrolysis for optimal injectability.
• The hydrogel demonstrated potential as an injectable drug carrier with doxorubicin.

Conclusions:

• Economical injectable hydrogels can be fabricated from hydrolyzed natural proteins like HEWL.
• The developed amyloid hydrogel is a promising biomaterial for drug delivery applications.
• Controlling protein hydrolysis is key to optimizing hydrogel properties for biomedical use.