Stimuli-responsive smart gels realized via modular protein design.
J Am Chem Soc
; 132(40): 14024-6, 2010 Oct 13.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-20860358
ABSTRACT
Smart gels have a variety of applications, including tissue engineering and controlled drug delivery. Here we present a modular, bottom-up approach that permits the creation of protein-based smart gels with encoded morphology, functionality, and responsiveness to external stimuli. The properties of these gels are encoded by the proteins from which they are synthesized. In particular, the strength and density of the network of intermolecular cross-links are specified by the interactions of the gels' constituent protein modules with their cognate peptide ligands. Thus, these gels exhibit stimuli-responsive assembly and disassembly, dissolving (or gelling) under conditions that weaken (or strengthen) the protein-peptide interaction. We further demonstrate that such gels can encapsulate and release both proteins and small molecules and that their rheological properties are well suited for biomedical applications.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Proteínas
/
Géis
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Am Chem Soc
Ano de publicação:
2010
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos