On November 7, Professor Hongbin Li from the University of British Columbia, Canada, delivered an engaging lecture titled “Rational Design of Protein-Based Biomaterials” at the 46th session of the “BaiChuan Forum” hosted by the Oujiang Laboratory. The event was attended by researchers and graduate students, with the lecture chaired by Academician Weihong Song, Director of the Oujiang Laboratory.
Professor Hongbin Li, a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia, Canada, possesses profound expertise in single-molecule biophysics, protein mechanics, and protein-based biomaterials. During this lecture, Professor Li shared his approach of employing chain entanglement to significantly enhance the stiffness of protein hydrogels without compromising their toughness. By introducing chain entanglement into hydrogel networks formed by folded elastomer proteins, highly rigid and tough protein hydrogels can be engineered. These materials seamlessly combine mutually incompatible mechanical properties—including high stiffness, high toughness, rapid recovery, and ultra-high compressive strength—effectively transforming soft protein biomaterials into rigid and resilient structures exhibiting mechanical properties close to cartilage. This research provides a general approach for engineering protein-based rigid and tough biomaterials, which will find applications in biomedical engineering (e.g., osteochondral defect repair) and materials science and engineering.
Finally, Professor Li engaged in active discussions with faculty and students on-site, receiving an enthusiastic response. Attendees expressed keen interest in Professor Li Hongbin's research achievements, leading to in-depth exchanges on topics including osteochondral defect repair, force spectroscopy techniques for protein mechanics, and the application prospects of protein hydrogels.
Following the lecture, Professor Li held one-on-one discussions with principal investigators (PIs) from relevant research areas within the laboratory. This visit not only further strengthened the friendly relationship between the University of British Columbia and the Oujiang Laboratory but also laid a solid foundation for future collaboration in the medical field.
- Profile of Hongbin Li -
Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia, Canada. His research focuses on single-molecule biophysics, protein mechanics, and biomaterials. He has achieved significant accomplishments in the fields of myosin mechanics and protein hydrogels, receiving multiple honors including the Canada Research Chair and the Charles McDowell Award. He was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2020.
