Toward Clickable Protein Networks: Orthogonal Amidation of Self-Assembled Lysozyme and Bovine Serum Albumin Nanofibers
- De France Lab Team
- Jun 12
- 1 min read
Updated: Jun 19
“Even the tiniest step in advancing science is worth all the effort.” – Lenka
Hot Off the Press
Our full study—“Toward Clickable Protein Networks”—has been accepted by ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. Read the manuscript here.
Significance of the Study
🔬 How to create biobased hydrogels using click chemistry?
One of the innovative directions explored by postdoc Lenka Vítková from #QueensU involves the development of biobased hydrogels formed by clicking protein molecules together — without the need for heat or solvents. This approach offers an environmentally friendly route to creating functional materials for biomedical and industrial applications.

➡️ What are we dealing with?
Traditional hydrogel fabrication often involves energy-intensive steps and synthetic chemicals. Lenka’s research demonstrates a greener alternative using click chemistry to connect protein components into stable hydrogel networks, enabling:
• solvent-free and energy-efficient production,
• use of renewable protein building blocks,
• tunable mechanical and bioactive properties.
🧪 Specific output?
The study introduces mild, modular methods to produce protein-based hydrogels, opening the door to scalable, sustainable production of materials that are:
• biodegradable,
• biocompatible,
• structurally versatile for a range of applications.
💡 Application:
🔹 Biomedical scaffolds
🔹 Greener packaging materials
🔹 Soft tissue engineering
🔹 Smart biomaterials
🔹 Climate-friendly manufacturing
👥 Thanks to the synergy between protein engineering, green chemistry, and materials science, this work paves the way for next-generation sustainable materials.
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