KTH Supreme – Sustainable Protein Materials Engineering

Why proteins

Proteins are unique polymers that can be precisely engineered at the level of their smallest building blocks. In nature, proteins are found in advanced materials with remarkable properties and functionality. In applied settings, protein materials have the potential to redefine boundaries and open new avenues for addressing global challenges. They can be used in biomedical applications, as key elements in new green technologies, as sustainable alternatives to synthetic polymers, and in materials with novel functionality. Their unique design allows materials to be customised for specific needs, enabling rapid prototyping and commercialisation of innovative products. Protein materials are also locally adaptable: in Sweden, the agricultural and forestry sectors generate many protein-rich side streams that could be utilised. In other regions, production from local resources can stimulate economic development in underprivileged areas.

Data generation with AI-tools

AI and machine learning are becoming central tools for exploring the many design possibilities of proteins, but their power depends on access to high-quality experimental data. The multidisciplinary team of KTH Supreme will enable a transition to AI-assisted design of protein-based materials and develop high-throughput experiments to map how protein architecture affects different material parameters. This marks a shift in scientific approach, with a focus on robust data generation rather than searching for the “best” solution to a single problem.

Focus areas for KTH Supreme:

• Self-assembly: how protein molecules organise into specific nano- or microscale structures.
• Composites: using proteins as connectors or scaffolds in materials built from cellulose, traditional polymers, or inorganic components.
• Production & circularity: how efficiently proteins can be produced in heterologous expression systems or extracted from agricultural resources.

KTH contribution

Protein materials is an inherently interdisciplinary field, bridging biotechnology, chemistry, and materials engineering. KTH is a leading environment for cellulose biomass utilisation, combining expertise in protein design, production, and characterisation with leadership in AI-driven research. KTH Supreme fosters collaboration across these fields, and students gain a unique combination of scientific skills, essential for the green transition.

Research team

The team covers multiple perspectives in protein-based materials research, including design of hierarchical materials via self-assembly, recombinant protein production (including spider silk), processing of natural proteins into functional materials, and the application of metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, and systems biology for CO₂ fixation. They also have extensive experience in coordinating national research networks and leading large-scale research initiatives.