Hydrazone self-crosslinking of multiphase elastin-like block copolymer networks.
Acta Biomater
; 8(3): 988-97, 2012 Mar.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-22154858
ABSTRACT
Biosynthetic strategies for the production of recombinant elastin-like protein (ELP) triblock copolymers have resulted in elastomeric protein hydrogels, formed through rapid physical crosslinking upon warming of concentrated solutions. However, the strength of physically crosslinked networks can be limited, and options for non-toxic chemical crosslinking of these networks are not optimal. In this report, we modify two recombinant elastin-like proteins with aldehyde and hydrazide functionalities. When combined, these modified recombinant proteins self-crosslink through hydrazone bonding without requiring initiators or producing by-products. Crosslinked materials are evaluated for water content and swelling upon hydration, and subject to tensile and compressive mechanical tests. Hydrazone crosslinking is a viable method for increasing the mechanical strength of elastin-like protein polymers, in a manner that is likely to lend itself to the biocompatible in situ formation of chemically and physically crosslinked ELP hydrogels.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Materials Testing
/
Elastin
/
Hydrogels
/
Cross-Linking Reagents
/
Hydrazones
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Acta Biomater
Year:
2012
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States