Inspired by a popular self-assembled motif in proteins called amyloids, we have developed a series of hydrogels composed of amyloid nanofibrils. The gelation process could be induced via different stimuli, such as heating/cooling or change of pH. Human mesenchymal stem cells preferentially differentiate toward neurons when cultured on these hydrogels. Moreover, its shear thinning property facilitates transplantation of stem cells into the brain with minimally invasive surgery. We demonstrate here the utilization of injectable amyloid hydrogels, which promotes cell survival as well as neuronal differentiation in vivo.
- Subhadeep Das
- Kun Zhou
- Samir K Maji
