Bioengineered Protein‐based Adhesives for Biomedical Applications

• Published in: Chemistry : a European journal 2022-01, Vol.28 (1), p.e202102902-n/a
• Main Authors: Sun, Jing, Han, Jiaying, Wang, Fan, Liu, Kai, Zhang, Hongjie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adhesives; Animals; biomedical application; Bivalvia; elastin-like polypeptide; genetically engineering; mussel foot protein; Peptides; protein adhesive
• ISSN: 0947-6539; 1521-3765
• DOI: 10.1002/chem.202102902

Protein‐based adhesives with their robust adhesion performance and excellent biocompatibility have been extensively explored over years. In particular, the unique adhesion behaviours of mussel and sandcastle worm inspired the development of synthetic adhesives. However, the chemical synthesized adhesives often demonstrate weak underwater adhesion performance and poor biocompatibility/biodegradability, limiting their further biomedical applications. In sharp contrast, genetically engineering endows the protein‐based adhesives the ability to maintain underwater adhesion property as well as biocompatibility/biodegradability. Herein, we outline recent advances in the design and development of protein‐based adhesives by genetic engineering. We summarize the fabrication and adhesion performance of elastin‐like polypeptide‐based adhesives, followed by mussel foot protein (mfp) based adhesives and other sources protein‐based adhesives, such as, spider silk spidroin and suckerin. In addition, the biomedical applications of these bioengineered protein‐based adhesives are presented. Finally, we give a brief summary and perspective on the future development of bioengineered protein‐based adhesives. Inspired by nature, many bioengineered proteins have been designed and expressed to fabricate protein‐based bioadhesives, including elastin‐like polypeptides, mussel‐foot proteins, and spider silk spidroin. In this context, the fabrication and adhesion performance of bioengineered protein‐based bioadhesives are summarized. In particular, the biomedical applications of such protein‐based adhesives are presented in each section. Perspectives and challenges of bioengineered protein‐based bioadhesives are also highlighted.