(80a) Protein-Centered Design of Biomaterials

Proteins offer a versatile biomolecular platform for constructing functional biomaterials. This presentation will explore engineering strategies to create protein nanoparticles (PNPs) with tailored properties, drawing inspiration from natural proteins and employing advanced synthetic techniques. Scalable manufacturing of PNPs via electrohydrodynamic jetting allows for precise control of critical particle characteristics such as size, stability, and drug loading capacity. Applications of PNPs in brain tumor therapy will be discussed. Additionally, protein-based scaffolds, specifically engineered extracellular matrix (EECM), leverage human proteins like fibronectin to support cell growth and expansion, relevant to cancer vaccine construction and tissue engineering. The design of PNPs and protein-based scaffolds extends beyond the properties of the protein itself, encompassing surface modification with targeting ligands, controlled release strategies, and the creation of 3D microenvironments.