Nature Communications · 21 September 2026 · From issue 40
Generating protein hydrogels with customizable stress relaxation behavior via deep learning-driven entanglement design
A computer program designed tangled proteins that form gels with tunable, cell-friendly stress release.
Puqing Deng, Yutong Wu et al.
A computer program can now design proteins that link together like tangled threads. These proteins form gels that slowly release stress, a trait cells need for growing in lab dishes. The program worked far better than older methods. In lab tests, it built working gels seven times out of nine tries.
The share of computer-designed tangled proteins that worked, compared to about 1% for older methods.
Lab test of only 9 designed proteins, not in living animals.
Integrity screen: passed (3 checks) Checked 22 September 2026. Retraction record: none. DOI resolves at doi.org. Metadata record found (Nature Communications). Read the source
This screen checks process signals. It does not tell you the findings are true.