Elastin-based biopolymers: chemical synthesis and structural characterization of linear and cross-linked poly(OrnGlyGlyOrnGly).
Poly(OrnGlyGlyOrnGly) was synthesized by classical procedures in solution. The monomeric sequence -OrnGlyGlyOrnGly- was chosen as a modification of -ValGlyGlyValGly-, typical of elastin, to impart primary amine functionality, susceptible to cross-linking with appropriate bifunctional reagents. Herein we focus on the cross-linking of poly(OrnGlyGlyOrnGly) with glutaraldehyde. The polymers, both linear and cross-linked, were characterized and investigated for their molecular and supramolecular properties. Circular dichroism studies performed on linear poly(OrnGlyGlyOrnGly) revealed a variety of conformations similar to elastin. At a supramolecular level, different kinds of aggregates were found such as the elastin-like twisted-rope pattern of filaments and fibrils, together with other specific morphologies, similar to those recently identified in some elastin-mimetic polypeptides.
Martino
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Department of Chemistry, University of Basilicata,Via N. Sauro 85, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
Perri
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Tamburro
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D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D001704:Biopolymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D002942:Circular Dichroism; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D004549:Elastin / Q000737:chemistry*; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
D001704:Biopolymers; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D009842:Oligopeptides; D004549:Elastin