Self-assembled elastin-like polypeptide particles.
In this work, the self-assembly of a recombinant elastin-based block copolymer containing both hydrophobic and cross-linking domains from the human elastin protein was investigated. The particle formation and dynamic behavior were characterized using inverted microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The morphology and stability were evaluated using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Above a critical temperature the molecules self-assembled into a bimodal distribution of nano- and micron-sized particles. The larger particles increased in size through coalescence. Micron-sized particle formation appeared largely reversible, although a self-assembly/disassembly hysteresis was observed. At high polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations particle coalescence and settling were reduced, particle stability seemed enhanced and PEG coated the particles. Particle stabilization was also achieved through covalent cross-linking using glutaraldehyde. This study laid the foundation for optimization of particle size and stability through modification of the solvent system and has shown that this family of elastin-based polypeptides holds potential for use as particulate drug carriers.
Osborne
Jill L
JL
Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Canada M5S 3E5.
Farmer
Robin
R
Woodhouse
Kimberly A
KA
D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D004549:Elastin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D010316:Particle Size; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D013696:Temperature; D014333:Tropoelastin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D004337:Drug Carriers; D009842:Oligopeptides; D010455:Peptides; D014333:Tropoelastin; C495470:elastin polypeptide 20-24-24, human; D004549:Elastin