組織工学材料を指向したゲニピン架橋型シルク-エラスチン複合体の作製とキャラクタリゼーション

摘要

Silk fibroin (SF) is a fibrous protein containing crystalline β-sheets with biocompatible and biodegradable properties. However, cell response and elasticity of SF is not sufficient for cardiovascular applications. In order to improve this property, we used elastin (EL) with SF by cross-linking with genipin. EL shows smooth muscle cells (SMCs) contractile phenotype and prevents intimal hyperplasia. Genipin is a cross linker agent which reacts on amino groups of proteins. Because SF exposes basic amino acid only at the terminal region, we expected to promote cell response by elastin content and maintain the structure of the SF. Contact angle observation showed that the hydrophobic surface character increased with increasing EL ratio. Also underwater tension testing showed that EL adds flexibility to films. In addition, higher attachment and lower proliferation of SMCs was observed by increasing the EL ratio. This phenomenon suggests that elastin in the film promotes contractile phenotype of SMCs which results in suppressing cell proliferation.%シルクフイブ口イン（Silk fibroin ： SF)は近年，組織工 学材料として注目されている生体高分子である.SFの Heavy鎖の一次配列はAla-Gly-Ala-Gly-Ser-Glyをもとに した疎水的な繰返し配列から構成され，β-シート構造 の形成により高い力学的強度を有する.この構造的特徴 により，SFは骨や軟骨などの硬組織を対象とした研究 が進められているが，軟組織材料への適用は組織工学 分野における選択肢を広げることからも重要である.