Biomimetic approach to biomaterials : Amino acid-residue-specific enzymes for protein grafting and cross-linking

Nature creates a range of functional materials using proteins and polysaccharides as starting materials, and enzymes as assembly catalysts. Inspired by nature, we are examining how proteins and polysaccharides can be enzymatically assembled into conjugates and crosslinked networks. Specifically, we used tyrosinase to conjugate proteins to the polysaccharide chitosan, and a microbial transglutaminase to catalyze protein crosslinking. We review results from our studies and suggest how the unique properties of the resulting biomaterials can be exploited in medical applications.