Genetically encodable tag/catcher cross-linking for sustainable biomaterials
Explore sustainable, genetically encodable Tag/Catcher-based protein biomaterials offering high mechanical stability and tunable degradation. Utilizing SpyTag003/SpyCatcher003, these materials promise applications in various biological systems with enhanced durability and customizable properties.
Overview
The innovative Tag/Catcher cross-linking technology leverages genetically encodable building blocks to create sustainable protein biomaterials. Developed using the SpyTag003/SpyCatcher003 system, this approach allows for the creation of materials with high mechanical stability and precisely tunable degradation properties. By utilizing regular amino acids, these biomaterials can be expressed in a variety of biological systems including bacterial, plant, fungal, and animal systems. The technology enables the formation of linear or branched assemblies with diverse applications, such as hydrogels, amyloids, or silk, offering significant potential in biomedical and industrial applications.
Technical specifications
- SpyTag003/SpyCatcher003 System: Composed of regular amino acids, reacting irreversibly and specifically near the diffusion limit.
- Versatility: Variants can be generated for slower or inducible reactions, suitable for different applications.
- Robustness: Protein partners can regain reactivity after harsh treatments like boiling or detergents.
- Customizable Degradability: Degradation can be programmed using appropriate linkers and orthogonal systems like SnoopTag/SnoopCatcher.
- Scalability: Capable of being expressed at scale in various biological systems.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, the Tag/Catcher cross-linking technology has been validated at the laboratory scale. Future validation efforts will focus on scaling up the expression of Tag/Catcher building blocks, optimizing controlled reactions for biomaterial production, and testing mechanical performance and toxicity of stable sequences.
About Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a large academic medical centre and teaching trust in Cambridge, England, comprising Addenbrooke’s and The Rosie hospitals and employing over 13,000 people. Located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, it places patient care alongside the University of Cambridge, research institutes, NHS partners, and life-sciences companies. Clinical research facilities, patient cohorts, data resources, and governance support commercial and non-commercial trials. Research is funded primarily by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, alongside UK research councils, medical charities, and industry partners; an innovation function helps move healthcare ideas toward implementation.
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