Developing new techniques to build biomaterials

Scientists have developed an approach that could help in the design of a new generation of synthetic biomaterials made from proteins.

The biomaterials could eventually have applications in joint repair or wound healing as well as other fields of healthcare and food production.

But one of the fundamental challenges is to control and fine tune the way protein building blocks assemble into complex protein networks that form the basis of biomaterials.

Scientists at Leeds are investigating how changes to the structure and mechanics of individual protein building blocks - changes at the nanoscale - can alter the structure and mechanics of the biomaterial at a macro level while preserving the biological function of the protein network.

Read the full press release on the University of Leeds website.

Read Control of Nanoscale In Situ Protein Unfolding Defines Network Architecture and Mechanics of Protein Hydrogels on the ACS Nano website.