title: Multiphase protein microgels.
abstract: Peptides and proteins represent attractive building blocks for the development of new functional materials due to the biocompatibility and biodegradability of many naturally abundant proteins. In nature, sophisticated material functionality is commonly achieved through spatial control of protein localisation and structure on both the nano and micro scales. We approached this requirement in an artificial setting by exploiting the propensity of proteins to self-assemble into amyloid fibrils to achieve nano scale order, and utilised aqueous liquid/liquid phase separation to control the micron scale localization of the proteinaceous component under microconfinement. We show that in combination with droplet microfluidics, this strategy allows the synthesis of core-shell microgel particles composed of protein nanofibrils.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
authors.forename: Ulyana
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Shimanovich
authors.forename: Yang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Jasna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brujic
authors.forename: Ho Cheung
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Shum
authors.forename: Tuomas P J
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Knowles
mesh_terms: D000682:Amyloid / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D003911:Dextrans / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D044085:Microfluidics; D009113:Muramidase / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry; D066329:Protein Aggregates; D017433:Protein Structure, Secondary; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000682:Amyloid; D003911:Dextrans; D020100:Hydrogels; D066329:Protein Aggregates; D011506:Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D009113:Muramidase
keywords: PEG; aqueous two phase system; dextran; lysozyme; microfluidics; nanofibrillar protein microgel