Summary

Summary

In this article, A.J. Olson has discovered a rabge of functions for proteins within cells and has elaborated on their atomic basis. Here, controlled formation of upheld, soluble protein concentration gradients within hydrated polymer networks is reported. The approach involves spatially localizing proteins or biodegradable, protein-loaded microspheres within hydrogels to form a protein-releasing  depot.  Soluble protein concentration gradients are otherwise formed as the freed protein diffuses away from the localized source. Control over key gradient parameters, involving maximum concentration, gradient magnitude, slope, and moment dynamics, is achieved via controlling the release of protein from the depot and subsequent transport across the ...