Self-assembled elastin-like polypeptide particles
β Scribed by Jill L. Osborne; Robin Farmer; Kimberly A. Woodhouse
- Book ID
- 103999422
- Publisher
- Elsevier Science
- Year
- 2008
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 688 KB
- Volume
- 4
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 1742-7061
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β¦ Synopsis
In this work, the self-assembly of a recombinant elastin-based block copolymer containing both hydrophobic and cross-linking domains from the human elastin protein was investigated. The particle formation and dynamic behavior were characterized using inverted microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The morphology and stability were evaluated using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Above a critical temperature the molecules self-assembled into a bimodal distribution of nano- and micron-sized particles. The larger particles increased in size through coalescence. Micron-sized particle formation appeared largely reversible, although a self-assembly/disassembly hysteresis was observed. At high polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations particle coalescence and settling were reduced, particle stability seemed enhanced and PEG coated the particles. Particle stabilization was also achieved through covalent cross-linking using glutaraldehyde. This study laid the foundation for optimization of particle size and stability through modification of the solvent system and has shown that this family of elastin-based polypeptides holds potential for use as particulate drug carriers.
π SIMILAR VOLUMES
## Abstract Processes involving selfβassembly of monomeric units into organized polymeric arrays are currently the subject of much attention, particularly in the areas of nanotechnology and biomaterials. One biological example of a protein polymer with potential for selfβorganization is elastin. El