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Owing to their tunable properties, hydrogels comprised of stimuli-sensitive polymers are one of the most appealing scaffolds with applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery and other biomedical fields. We previously reported a thermoresponsive hydrogel formed using a coiled-coil protein, Q. Here, we expand our studies to identify the gelation of Q protein at distinct pH conditions, creating a protein hydrogel system that is sensitive to temperature and pH. Through secondary structure analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and rheology, we observed that Q self-assembles and forms fiber-based hydrogels exhibiting upper critical solution temperature behavior with increased elastic properties at pH 7.4 and pH 10. At pH 6, however, Q forms polydisperse nanoparticles, which do not further self-assemble and undergo gelation. The high net positive charge of Q at pH 6 creates significant electrostatic repulsion, preventing its gelation. This study will potentially guide the development of novel scaffolds and functional biomaterials that are sensitive towards biologically relevant stimuli. 

During the abrupt and unplanned transition to remote online learning formats due to the COVID-19 outbreak, educators have had to adopt new teaching methods. For instance, online simulations tailored to specific curriculum topics emerged, allowing students to apply their knowledge creatively, with potentially positive effects on engagement and learning efficacy. Here, we examine the implementation of the “Save the World” simulation, created by Wonderville.org, in a high school Advanced Placement Environmental Science classroom in a remote online learning setting. In this module, students determine the most viable renewable energy generation option for given environments. Based on student and teacher feedback, the simulation effectively delivers educational material and promotes student engagement, demonstrating that online simulations can serve as a viable tool to enhance environmental science education and remote learning.