Artificial Protein Block Polymer Libraries Bearing Two SADs: Effects of Elastin Domain Repeats

摘要

We have generated protein block polymer E_nC and CE_n libraries composed of two different self-assembling domains (SADs) derived from elastin (E) and the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein coiled-coil (C). As the E domain is shortened, the polymers exhibit an increase in inverse transition temperature (T_t); however, the range of temperature change differs dramatically between the E_nC and CE_n library. Whereas all polymers assemble into nanoparticles, the bulk mechanical properties of the E_nC are very different from CE_n. The E_nC members demonstrate viscolelastic behavior under ambient conditions and assemble into elastic soft gels above their T_t values. By contrast, the CE_n members are predominantly viscous at all temperatures. All library members demonstrate binding to curcumin. The differential thermoresponsive behaviors of the E_nC and CE_n libraries in addition to their small molecule recognition abilities make them suitable for potential use in tissue engineering and drug delivery.