O. Wasserman, J.A. Jones
Utah State University, Utah, United States
Keywords: Hagfish, recombinant protein expression, intermediate filament proteins, high-yield production, biomedical engineering, genetic engineering, fibers, hydrogels, scalable, downstream processing, sustainable materials, next-generation biomaterials, biomimet
Hagfish, ancient marine creatures known for their unique defense mechanism of producing copious slime, have emerged as a promising source of biomaterials for defense and biomedical applications. This study presents significant advancements in the recombinant expression and purification of hagfish intermediate filament proteins, achieving remarkable yields exceeding 10 grams of dry protein per liter of media. Our research demonstrates the versatility of these proteins in forming various material structures, including fibers, films, and hydrogels, with potential applications spanning defense and biomedical industries. Through genetic engineering, we have successfully modified protein sequences to incorporate biologically relevant motifs, enabling tailored material properties for specific applications. Currently assessed at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6-7, with ongoing efforts to scale production to 1,000 L bioreactors and implement complete downstream processing, this technology is transitioning from laboratory and pilot scale towards potential commercialization. This work represents a significant stride in developing next-generation biomaterials, offering sustainable and adaptable solutions for challenges in defense technology and biomedical engineering. The achieved TRL underscores the technology's proximity to real-world application and its potential for imminent integration into defense and healthcare systems.