title: Genetically engineered silk-elastinlike protein polymers for controlled drug delivery.
abstract: The silk-elastinlike class of genetically engineered protein polymers is composed of tandemly repeated silk-like (Gly-Ala-Gly-Ala-Gly-Ser) and elastin-like (Gly-Val-Gly-Val-Pro) amino acid blocks. The precision with which these polymers can be synthesized, as well as the ability to incorporate motifs that allow for gel-formation, stimuli-sensitivity, biodegradation, and biorecognition have stimulated interest in their use for controlled drug and gene delivery. This review will focus on the synthesis and characterization of silk-elastinlike polymers as related to controlled drug delivery. The design and biological synthesis of the copolymers, by recombinant DNA techniques, are reviewed. The characterization of the polymers is discussed. Finally, biocompatibility of the polymers and recent studies to determine their potential utility for controlled drug and gene delivery are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 North Pine Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
authors.forename: Zaki
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Megeed
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cappello
authors.forename: Hamidreza
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ghandehari
mesh_terms: D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D001704:Biopolymers; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D004549:Elastin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D004926:Escherichia coli; D005349:Fibroins; D005353:Fibronectins; D011108:Polymers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D015202:Protein Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D047011:Silk
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D001704:Biopolymers; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005353:Fibronectins; D011108:Polymers; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D047011:Silk; C089172:silk-like protein polymer; D004549:Elastin; D005349:Fibroins