title: Protein-based block copolymers.
abstract: Advances in genetic engineering have led to the synthesis of protein-based block copolymers with control of chemistry and molecular weight, resulting in unique physical and biological properties. The benefits from incorporating peptide blocks into copolymer designs arise from the fundamental properties of proteins to adopt ordered conformations and to undergo self-assembly, providing control over structure formation at various length scales when compared to conventional block copolymers. This review covers the synthesis, structure, assembly, properties, and applications of protein-based block copolymers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA.
authors.forename: Olena S
authors.initials: OS
authors.lastname: Rabotyagova
authors.forename: Peggy
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cebe
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Kaplan
mesh_terms: D005818:Genetic Engineering; D006801:Humans; D015394:Molecular Structure; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers; D011506:Proteins