A High Modulus, Multi‐Stimuli Responsive, Interwoven Protein Network With Topologically Confined Micro‐Association
All-protein-based materials are attractive for their genetic encodability, precise structure, and versatile functions, yet integrating mechanical strength, dynamic adaptability, and functional activity in one system remains challenging. Herein, we report a multi-stimuli-responsive, self-healing, all-protein-based network with an interwoven network topology, whose mechanics can be further reinforced by topologically confined micro-association upon tempering. The network was constructed by polymerizing pseudo[2]catenanes-which employ p53dim for entanglement and SpyTag(DA)-SpyCatcher complex for physical cyclization-that are opened into a star-like conformation. Network formation can be triggered by increasing concentration, calmodulin (CaM) binding, or light irradiation (when azoswitch-modified CaM is used). Subsequent tempering unfolds the SpyTag/SpyCatcher complex, inducing micro-association that acts as additional crosslinks within the topologically confined network. While the entangled architecture minimizes chain slippage, the micro-associations enhance crosslinking and stress dissipation, collectively improving mechanical properties and long-term stability. We further demonstrate its practical utility in controlled release and enzyme immobilization, establishing topological proteins as a versatile platform for designing genetically programmable, mechanically tunable, stimuli-responsive biomaterials.
Authors
- Lianjie Xu
- Tingjie Xu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9288-1201)
- Ziyi Meng (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8294-8847)
- Fengyi Jiang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1854-1641)
- Bo Hou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5337-6560)
- Yajie Liu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4629-0640)
- Yuxiang Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5275-1709)
- Wenbin Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8746-0792)
- Yibin Sun (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0450-5391)
- Wenhao Wu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1474-5965)
Institutions
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Angewandte Chemie International Edition
- Published
- 2025-10-20
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202516010
- Primary Topic
- Biochemical and Structural Characterization
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00