Protein-Based Hydrogels

Protein-Based Hydrogels: Exploring the Roles of Protein Hydrogels in Membrane-less Organelles, Disease Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Applications presents a comprehensive overview of natural and engineered protein hydrogels, examining their critical roles in cellular organization, disease pathology, and therapeutic innovation. This book contributes unique value by integrating fundamental biology, cutting-edge biotechnology, and translational biomedical science to address emerging questions about protein phase separation and gelation. Structured into three sections, the book begins by exploring the physiological functions of protein hydrogels in phase-separated organelles, cellular stress sensing, memory formation, and compartmentalization. It then investigates the pathological consequences of hydrogel dysregulation, including their roles in neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and viral infections. Finally, it examines biomedical applications such as controlled drug delivery, regenerative medicine, biosensing, and the design of synthetic organelles. Each chapter is contributed by a leading expert, offering multidisciplinary perspectives from biochemistry, molecular biology, bioengineering, and medical research. This book is a valuable resource for academic researchers, graduate students, and professionals working in protein engineering, structural biology, molecular medicine, and pharmaceutical sciences. It supports readers in understanding the full spectrum of protein hydrogel biology-from cell physiology to disease mechanisms and therapeutic design-making it especially relevant for those interested in neurodegeneration, cancer biology, and translational bioengineering.

• Explores physiological, pathological, and therapeutic roles of protein-based hydrogels across biology and medicine
• Discusses the role of hydrogels in phase separation, stress response, neurodegeneration, cancer, and infection
• Examines hydrogel applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, biosensing, and regenerative medicine
• Presents multidisciplinary insights from biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, and materials science
• Integrates contributions from leading international experts across academia and biomedicine