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Updated: Dec 19, 2025

Synthesis of an Intein-mediated Artificial Protein Hydrogel

Synthesis of an Intein-mediated Artificial Protein Hydrogel

Published on: January 27, 2014

Cation-induced shape programming and morphing in protein-based hydrogels.

Luai R Khoury¹, Marina Slawinski¹, Daniel R Collison¹

¹Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), 3135 North Maryland Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA.

Science Advances

|June 5, 2020

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed a new way to program protein hydrogels, like those from blood albumin, to change shape using metal ions. These smart biomaterials can act as actuators, morphing between programmed and original forms.

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Last Updated: Dec 19, 2025

Synthesis of an Intein-mediated Artificial Protein Hydrogel

Synthesis of an Intein-mediated Artificial Protein Hydrogel

Published on: January 27, 2014

Easy Manipulation of Architectures in Protein-based Hydrogels for Cell Culture Applications

Easy Manipulation of Architectures in Protein-based Hydrogels for Cell Culture Applications

Published on: August 4, 2017

Patterning Bioactive Proteins or Peptides on Hydrogel Using Photochemistry for Biological Applications

Patterning Bioactive Proteins or Peptides on Hydrogel Using Photochemistry for Biological Applications

Published on: September 15, 2017

Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Materials Engineering
Biotechnology

Background:

Smart materials capable of shape memory and stimulus-induced morphing hold significant potential for advancements in medicine and robotics.
Protein hydrogels offer biocompatibility and versatility, but programming them for dynamic shape changes remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce an innovative method for programming protein hydrogels to induce shape changes at room temperature in aqueous solutions.
To demonstrate the use of serum albumin-based hydrogels as programmable actuators.

Main Methods:

Hydrogels synthesized from serum albumin were shaped into cylindrical or flower forms.
Programming involved inducing a significant stiffness change (up to 17-fold) via adsorption of Zn²⁺ or Cu²⁺ cations.
Shape recovery was achieved by allowing the cations to diffuse out of the hydrogel.

Main Results:

Serum albumin hydrogels were successfully programmed into spring and ring shapes from their initial cylindrical and flower forms, respectively.
A substantial, reversible change in hydrogel stiffness was achieved through cation adsorption and diffusion.
Demonstrated the ability of programmed hydrogels to morph back to their original shapes.

Conclusions:

The developed method provides an innovative strategy for programming protein-based hydrogels.
These programmed hydrogels can function as actuators, capable of controlled shape morphing.
This approach opens new avenues for developing advanced biomaterials for various applications.