Ms. Maria Kaeek - Ph.D. Candidate
20/03/2025
David Wang Auditorium, 3rd floor Dalia Meidan Bldg.
13:30
Protein-based materials uniquely combine biocompatibility, biochemical-structural diversity, and folding transitions, making them valuable for various applications. In this work, we developed two classes of functional protein-based materials: (1) transparent, shape-morphing hydrogels inspired by the adaptability of the human eye lens, and (2) porous sponges for environmental remediation and enzymatic applications. By integrating BSA into a PEGDA-based hydrogel system using aza-Michael addition and radical polymerization, we engineered transparent hydrogels with tunable shape-morphing capabilities via pH-driven BSA folding transitions. In parallel, we designed BSA-based porous sponges with tailored microstructures for PFOS removal and enzymatic stability enhancement. These findings highlight the versatility of protein-driven materials in diverse fields, bridging bioinspired material design with real-world applications in optics, remediation, and biocatalysis.