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Boolean Logic-Based Control Over Recombinant Protein Biomaterial Degradability and Therapeutic Delivery
Murial L Ross1, Ryan Gharios2, Shivani Kottantharayil1
1Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|July 21, 2026
Summary
Researchers created smart biomaterials from recombinant proteins that respond to logic-based commands. These protein hydrogels can precisely release therapeutics or cells on demand, advancing precision medicine and tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Chemical Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Recombinant protein biomaterials offer precise synthesis but lack multi-stimuli-responsiveness compared to synthetic materials.
- Current protein-based materials have limitations in controlled degradation and stimulus response for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop multi-stimuli-responsive biomaterials using recombinant proteins.
- To engineer protein hydrogels capable of logic-based degradation and controlled cargo release.
Main Methods:
- Autonomously compiled topologically specified protein crosslinkers.
- Covalent step polymerization to form protein hydrogels.
- Boolean logic programming for material degradation and cargo release.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated logic-based release of fluorescent proteins (mGreenLantern) using a 3-input protease operator set (all 17 YES/OR/AND logic outputs).
- Successfully delivered epidermal growth factor (EGF) with preserved bioactivity via biocomputation.
- Showcased multiplexed delivery of living cells from recombinant protein hydrogels.
Conclusions:
- Developed intelligent, logic-gated recombinant protein hydrogels with programmable responsiveness.
- These advanced biomaterials significantly expand possibilities in tissue engineering and precision medicine.
- The approach integrates chemical biology tools for sophisticated control over biomaterial function.
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