Physicochemical Characterization of a Biomimetic, Elastin-Inspired Polypeptide with Enhanced Thermoresponsive Properties and Improved Cell Adhesion.
- Resource Type
- Academic Journal
- Authors
- Bandiera A; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, via L. Giorgieri, 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.; Colomina-Alfaro L; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, via L. Giorgieri, 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.; Sist P; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, via L. Giorgieri, 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.; Gomez d'Ayala G; Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB-CNR), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy.; Zuppardi F; Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB-CNR), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy.; Cerruti P; Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB-CNR), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy.; Catanzano O; Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB-CNR), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA, Italy.; Passamonti S; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, via L. Giorgieri, 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.; Urbani R; Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, via L. Giorgieri, 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
- Source
- Publisher: American Chemical Society Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 100892849 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1526-4602 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 15257797 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Biomacromolecules Subsets: MEDLINE
- Subject
- Language
- English
Genetic engineering allows fine-tuning and controlling protein properties, thus exploiting the new derivatives to obtain novel materials and systems with improved capacity to actively interact with biological systems. The elastin-like polypeptides are tunable recombinant biopolymers that have proven to be ideal candidates for realizing bioactive interfaces that can interact with biological systems. They are characterized by a thermoresponsive behavior that is strictly related to their peculiar amino acid sequence. We describe here the rational design of a new biopolymer inspired by elastin and the comparison of its physicochemical properties with those of another already characterized member of the same protein class. To assess the cytocompatibility, the behavior of cells of different origins toward these components was evaluated. Our study shows that the biomimetic strategy adopted to design new elastin-based recombinant polypeptides represents a versatile and valuable tool for the development of protein-based materials with improved properties and advanced functionality.