Engineered noncanonical amino acids-based hydrogels for biomedical applications

Integrating diverse engineered noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs), including halogenated amino acids, β-amino acids, and their higher homologs, has significantly expanded structural and functional diversity of proteins. Incorporating chemically or biocatalytically synthesized ncAAs into short bioactive peptide sequences has enhanced drug-like properties, including bioavailability and biostability. Recently, these peptides have been employed to fabricate biocompatible and biostable smart hydrogels. The introduction of ncAAs into peptide sequences modulates the physicochemical properties of hydrogels by influencing their interaction and network formation, which is crucial for their functionality. This keynote explores the benefits of peptides containing engineered ncAAs and highlights their impact on hydrogel properties, enhanced enzymatic stability, and emerging biomedical applications.