Unprecedented coupling of natural rubber and ELP: synthesis, characterization and self-assembly properties

Abstract

Developing new biomaterials is an active research area owing to their applications in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and drug delivery.

Solution behavior and encapsulation properties of fatty acid–elastin-like polypeptide conjugates

“…This is in striking contrast to what we previously observed with polyisoprene- block -ELP copolymers, the secondary structure of the diblock at T < Tcp being similar to that of the unmodified ELP heated above the Tcp. 21 …”

“…This is in striking contrast to what we previously observed with polyisoprene-block-ELP copolymers, the secondary structure of the diblock at T < Tcp being similar to that of the unmodied ELP heated above the Tcp. 21 We next performed turbidimetry experiments at different temperatures (T-scans) to measure the Tcps of the 15 ELP-FAs in PBS at four different concentrations. The absorbance of ELP-FA solutions at 350 nm was monitored when the temperature was ramped up and then down at a rate of 1 °C min −1 (Fig.…”

“…20 We also reported the synthesis of polyisoprene-ELP copolymers that can self-assemble into nanoparticles capable of encapsulating hydrophobic molecules, but the assemblies aggregated in physiological buffer. 21 A second elegant strategy developed in Chilkoti's and Mozhdehi's groups relies on the lipidation of the ELP in vivo during its recombinant expression. Indeed, by fusing a specic peptide sequence at the N-terminus of ELPs, and by coexpressing the polypeptide and a yeast N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) in Escherichia coli (E. coli) they could obtain ELP-C14 conjugates capable to form micelles for drug delivery to mammalian cells.…”

“… 20 We also reported the synthesis of polyisoprene–ELP copolymers that can self-assemble into nanoparticles capable of encapsulating hydrophobic molecules, but the assemblies aggregated in physiological buffer. 21 …”