Molecular Engineering of Recombinant Protein Hydrogels: Programmable Design and Biomedical Applications

Recombinant protein hydrogels represent a significant advancement in biomaterials, offering programmable design and enhanced functionality for biomedical applications. These hydrogels utilize genetically engineered backbones to mimic extracellular matrix dynamics, integrating reversible physical interactions with covalent crosslinking for mechanical strength and controlled degradation. Molecular engineering strategies allow for precise control over cellular interactions and therapeutic release, with applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine. The document highlights the potential of these hydrogels in regenerative medicine, emphasizing their adaptability and multifunctionality, and anticipates future developments driven by artificial intelligence and multi-omics approaches. Key protein backbones such as elastin-like polypeptides, resilin-like polypeptides, silk fibroin, and mussel foot proteins are noted for their unique mechanical properties and environmental responsiveness, making them promising for diverse biomedical applications.