Physics Colloquium – Hongbin Li

Hongbin Li, Professor, Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia

Rational Engineering of Protein-based Biomaterials: from single molecule traits to functional material properties

In their biological settings, elastomeric proteins function as molecular springs, thereby establishing elastic connections, plus providing mechanical strength and elasticity. With an ability to change their shape (evolving from simple, random coil-like structures to a more sophisticated beads-on-a string formation), they fulfill their biological function. These complex protein polymers exhibit distinct mechanical properties.

The development of single molecule force spectroscopy techniques has made it possible to directly probe these properties, at the single molecule level, allowing us to understand their molecular design principles. This knowledge has enabled us to engineer novel elastomeric proteins to achieve tailored and well-defined nanomechanical properties.

In this talk, specific examples will be given on engineering protein hydrogels to mimic the passive elastic properties of muscle, as well as highly stiff and highly tough protein biomaterials to mimic the mechanical properties of cartilage. These studies will pave the way to utilizing proteins as building blocks to engineer new generations of protein-based biomaterials for diverse applications in biomedical engineering as well as material sciences.

The event flyer is available here.