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The present work reports a new route for preparing tunable multifunctional biomaterials through the combination of synthetic biology and material chemistry. Genetically encoded catechol moiety is evolved in a nanofiber mat with defined surface and secondary reactive functional chemistry, which promotes self-assembly and wet adhesion property of the protein. The catechol moiety is further exploited for the controlled release of boric acid that provides a congenial cellular microenvironment for accelerated wound healing. The presence of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine in the nanofiber mat act as a stimulus to trigger cell proliferation, migration, and vascularization to accelerate wound healing. Electron paramagnetic resonance, NMR, FTIR, and circular dichroism spectroscopy confirm the structural integrity, antioxidant property, and controlled release of boric acid. Fluorescent and scanning electron microscopy reveals the 3D architecture of nanofiber mat, which favors fibroblast growth, endothelial cell attachment, and tube formation, which are the desirable properties of a wound-healing material. Animal studies in the murine wound healing model assert that the multifunctional biomaterial significantly improve re-epithelialization and accelerate wound closure.

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Collagen occurs in nature with a dedicated triple helix structure and is the most preferred biomaterial in commercialized medical products. Recombinant collagen emerge as sustainable alternate source that overcomes existing demerits.

Rapid urbanization and industrialization has led to the indiscriminate discharge of heavy metals into the environment. Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), a lethal, carcinogenic and genotoxic heavy metal frequently found in industrial effluent, poses a serious threat to human health. On the other hand, there is a global energy crisis prevalent owing to the scarcity of resources and huge energy demand. An emerging innovative technology which utilizes the biocatalytic activity of microbes for electron production and offers a dual solution for simultaneous reduction of Cr(VI) and generation of bioelectricity is the microbial fuel cell (MFC). The success of the MFC depends on variables such as cell configuration, pH, electrode materials, effect of microbial communities and operational conditions. This review provides a critical insight on the developments in the field of MFCs with abiotic and biotic cathodes, integrated systems, plant‐ and soil‐based designs for treatment of Cr(VI)‐laden effluent and sustainable energy recovery. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry

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