A general method for detecting protease activity via gelation and its application to artificial clottingElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: experimental data; gel rheology and morphology characterization data; control experiments. See DOI: 10.1039/c2cc31537h

A modular system for detecting protease activity via enzyme-triggered gel formation is described. Protease-specific recognition sequences are utilized to achieve enzyme specificity. Artificial blood clotting is demonstrated by activating endogenous thrombin to trigger gelation in fibrinogen-deficient blood plasma. A modular system for detecting protease activity via enzyme-triggered gel formation is described.