Enzyme-responsive materials: a new class of smart biomaterials

Enzyme-responsive materials (ERMs) are a new class of smart materials that undergo macroscopic transitions when triggered by selective catalytic actions of enzymes. The use of enzymes as stimuli to trigger mechanical responses in materials opens up a number of possible applications in biology and medicine. Three different classes of ERMs are described, based on supramolecular assemblies, chemically crosslinked gels and (nanoparticle) surfaces. Potential applications in regenerative medicine, diagnostics, and drug delivery are discussed.