Building block aspect ratio controls assembly, architecture, and mechanics of synthetic and natural protein networks

Matt D. G. Hughes, Sophie Cussons, Benjamin S. Hanson, Kalila R. Cook, Tímea Feller, Najet Mahmoudi, Daniel L. Baker, Robert Ariëns, David A. Head, David J. Brockwell and Lorna Dougan ()
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Matt D. G. Hughes: University of Leeds
Sophie Cussons: University of Leeds
Benjamin S. Hanson: University of Leeds
Kalila R. Cook: University of Leeds
Tímea Feller: University of Leeds
Najet Mahmoudi: STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Daniel L. Baker: University of Leeds
Robert Ariëns: University of Leeds
David A. Head: University of Leeds
David J. Brockwell: University of Leeds
Lorna Dougan: University of Leeds

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Fibrous networks constructed from high aspect ratio protein building blocks are ubiquitous in nature. Despite this ubiquity, the functional advantage of such building blocks over globular proteins is not understood. To answer this question, we engineered hydrogel network building blocks with varying numbers of protein L domains to control the aspect ratio. The mechanical and structural properties of photochemically crosslinked protein L networks were then characterised using shear rheology and small angle neutron scattering. We show that aspect ratio is a crucial property that defines network architecture and mechanics, by shifting the formation from translationally diffusion dominated to rotationally diffusion dominated. Additionally, we demonstrate that a similar transition is observed in the model living system: fibrin blood clot networks. The functional advantages of this transition are increased mechanical strength and the rapid assembly of homogenous networks above a critical protein concentration, crucial for in vivo biological processes such as blood clotting. In addition, manipulating aspect ratio also provides a parameter in the design of future bio-mimetic and bio-inspired materials.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40921-7

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