Genetically engineered polymers: status and prospects for controlled release.
Genetic engineering methodology has enabled the synthesis of protein-based polymers with precisely controlled structures. Protein-based polymers have well-defined molecular weights, monomer compositions, sequences and stereochemistries. The incorporation of tailor-made motifs at specified locations by recombinant techniques allows the formation of hydrogels, sensitivity to environmental stimuli, complexation with drugs and nucleic acids, biorecognition and biodegradation. Accordingly, a special interest has emerged for the use of protein-based polymers for controlled drug and gene delivery, tissue engineering and other biomedical applications. This article is a review of genetically engineered polymers, their physicochemical characteristics, synthetic strategies used to produce them and their biomedical applications with emphasis on controlled release.
Haider
Mohamed
M
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
Megeed
Zaki
Z
Ghandehari
Hamidreza
H
D000818:Animals; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004549:Elastin; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D005818:Genetic Engineering; D006801:Humans; D019476:Insect Proteins; D008863:Microspheres; D011099:Polyglutamic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D017433:Protein Structure, Secondary; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry; D047011:Silk
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D019476:Insect Proteins; D011108:Polymers; D011506:Proteins; D047011:Silk; D011099:Polyglutamic Acid; D004549:Elastin