Elastin-like polypeptides: Therapeutic applications for an emerging class of nanomedicines.

ABSTRACT: Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) constitute a genetically engineered class of 'protein polymers' derived from human tropoelastin. They exhibit a reversible phase separation whereby samples remain soluble below a transition temperature (T_t) but form amorphous coacervates above T_t. Their phase behavior has many possible applications in purification, sensing, activation, and nanoassembly. As humanized polypeptides, they are non-immunogenic, substrates for proteolytic biodegradation, and can be decorated with pharmacologically active peptides, proteins, and small molecules. Recombinant synthesis additionally allows precise control over ELP architecture and molecular weight, resulting in protein polymers with uniform physicochemical properties suited to the design of multi

SUBMITTER: Despanie J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5767577 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature