Functional Biomaterials Derived from Protein Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation and Liquid-to-Solid Transition.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Materials Science
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Protein phase transitions, including liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), are fundamental to cellular processes.
• These transitions form dynamic protein condensates essential for biological functions.
• Dysregulated transitions can lead to pathological aggregates implicated in diseases like neurodegeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the mechanisms governing protein phase behavior under varying molecular and physical conditions.
• To explore the potential of protein phase transitions in developing advanced, multifunctional biomaterials.
• To demonstrate the fabrication of protein-derived materials utilizing controlled phase transitions.

Main Methods:

• Investigating the molecular mechanisms of protein phase transitions.
• Analyzing the physicochemical properties of protein condensates (composition, viscosity, miscibility).
• Characterizing the transition from liquid condensates to solid, β-sheet-rich aggregates.

Main Results:

• Detailed understanding of how internal molecular changes and external stimuli influence protein phase behavior.
• Demonstrated fabrication of multifunctional materials from diverse proteins via controlled phase transitions.
• Highlighted the role of protein phase behavior in both cellular function and disease pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

• Protein phase behavior is a critical determinant of cellular function and disease.
• Controlled protein phase transitions offer significant opportunities for novel biomaterial design.
• This research advances applications in drug discovery, delivery, and biosynthesis through protein-based materials.