Generating Ice-Binding Protein–Polymer Bioconjugates

Protein–polymer conjugates combine the stability of polymers with the diversity, specificity, and functionality of proteins. The resulting hybrid materials can display properties not found in the individual components and can be particularly relevant for engineering new functionalities. Ice-binding proteins have many potential biotechnical and biomedical applications. However, their widespread use has been limited due to cost of production, limited activity, and relative instability. Polymer attachment has led to higher thermal hysteresis activities with less protein and superior stabilities. Thus, IBP–polymer conjugates have the ability to overcome a number of these challenges and lead to materials to tackle biomedical applications.