Protein Nanogels with Temperature-Induced Reversible Structures and Redox Responsiveness

There are many natural examples of smart structures that are able to change conformations and functionalities responding to the external stimuli. The responsiveness is directly related to their unique structures. In the design of new materials, it is crucial to endow these materials with the capabilities to change structures and functionalities under the external stimuli. In this research, virus-mimicking protein nanogels with temperature-induced reversible structures and redox responsiveness are synthesized by cross-linking a thermally responsive polymer poly(di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate-co-2-(2-pyridyldisulfide) ethyl methacrylate) with reduced bovine serum albumin (BSA) molecules through thiol–disulfide exchange reaction. The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and sizes of the nanogels can be controlled by controlling the reaction conditions. The nanogels are able to change their structures responding to the temperature change. Below the LCST, BSA molecules are embedded inside ...