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Rheological properties of engineered protein polymer networks

  • Engineered Proteins as Multifunctional Materials
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Abstract

The linear and nonlinear mechanical properties of recombinant protein polymer networks are reviewed, with particular emphasis on how to tune elastic and dissipative behavior through selection of cross-linking strategy. The design strategies used to produce modular recombinant protein polymer networks through chemical or physical cross-linking will be discussed. In particular, we will highlight how key parameters such as polymer concentration, molecular weight, architecture, cross-link density, and association strength influence mechanics of protein polymer networks. Tuning these parameters enables control of viscoelastic properties and formation of materials with applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and sustainable self-healing materials.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank J. Conrad and J. Palmer for revising the manuscript. A.B.M. would like to thank V. Bunker for fruitful discussions. This work was supported by The Welch Foundation (C-2003–20190330).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, USA

    Winnie H. Shi (Doctoral candidate) & Amanda B. Marciel (Assistant professor and the William Marsh Rice Trustee Chair of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering)

  2. Rice University, Houston, USA

    Taniya M. S. K. Pathiranage (Postdoctoral researcher)

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  1. Winnie H. Shi
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  2. Taniya M. S. K. Pathiranage
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  3. Amanda B. Marciel
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Correspondence to Winnie H. Shi.

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Shi, W.H., Pathiranage, T.M.S.K. & Marciel, A.B. Rheological properties of engineered protein polymer networks. MRS Bulletin 45, 1048–1054 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1557/mrs.2020.300

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