Recent trends in peptide and protein-based hydrogels

•Hydrogels have revolutionized the field of biomaterials, with peptide and protein-based systems emerging as versatile platforms.•Stimuli-responsive hydrogels respond to external triggers such as temperature, pH, light and ionic strength.•Computational modeling can be used to predict and design peptide and protein sequences that can assemble into hydrogels.•Hydrogels have significant potential in biomedical applications including bioadhesion, exosomes delivery and tissue engineering. [Display omitted] Hydrogels are classic examples of biomaterials that have found its niche in biomedical and allied fields. Here, we describe examples of peptide-based and protein-based hydrogels with a focus on smart gels that respond to various stimuli including temperature, pH, light, and ionic strength. With the recent advancements in computational modeling, it has been possible to predict as well as design peptide and protein sequences that can assemble into hydrogels with unique and improved properties. We briefly discuss coarse grained and atomistic simulations in designing peptides that can form hydrogels. In addition, we highlight the trends that will influence the future design and applications of hydrogels, with emphasis on bioadhesion, exosomes delivery, tissue and organoids engineering, and even intracellular production of gels.