Targeting protein-ligand neosurfaces with a generalizable deep learning tool.

Molecular recognition events between proteins drive biological processes in living systems. However, higher levels of mechanistic regulation have emerged, in which protein-protein interactions are conditioned to small molecules. Despite recent advances, computational tools for the design of new chemically induced protein interactions have remained a challenging task for the field.

Regulatory Components for Bacterial Cell-Free Systems Engineering.

Cell-free systems are advancing synthetic biology through fast prototyping and modularity. Complex regulatory networks can now be implemented in cell-free systems enabling various applications, such as diagnostic tool development, gene circuit prototyping, and metabolic engineering. As functional complexity increases, the need for regulatory components also grows.

A self-assembled dynamic extracellular matrix-like hydrogel system with multi-scale structures for cell bioengineering applications.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) provides various types of direct interactions with cells and a dynamic environment, which can be remodeled through different assembly/degradation mechanisms to adapt to different biological processes. Herein, through introducing polyphosphate-modified hyaluronic acid and bioactive glass (BG) nano-fibril into a self-assembled hydrogel system with peptide-polymer conjugate, we can realize many new ECM-like functions in a synthetic polymer network. The hydrogel network formation is mediated by coacervation, followed by a gradual transition of peptide structure from  α-helix to β-sheet.

A Self-Assembled Matrix System for Cell-Bioengineering Applications in Different Dimensions, Scales, and Geometries.

Stem cell bioengineering and therapy require different model systems and materials in different stages of development. If a chemically defined biomatrix system can fulfill most tasks, it can minimize the discrepancy among various setups. By screening biomaterials synthesized through a coacervation-mediated self-assembling mechanism, a biomatrix system optimal for 2D human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC) culture and osteogenesis is identified.