Fig. 7: Schematic illustration of LinkCFQ and ECM-inspired hydrogel.

a Structure of the genetically engineered Link module (LinkCFQ) was predicted via the MODELLER software using Link_TSG6 (PDB ID: 1O7c)65 as the template. LinkCFQ was designed with a C-terminal extension using the MTG-reactive tag (FYPLQMRG) in the Link module. b ECM-inspired hydrogel fabricated with LinkCFQ using HA and gelatin through the incorporation of the natural HA/Link module interaction and formation of the MTG-catalyzed isopeptide bond. Glutamine and lysine residues are illustrated using red and gray graphics, respectively.