Self-assembly of elastin-mimetic double hydrophobic polypeptides

Biomacromolecules. 2013 Apr 8;14(4):1028-34. doi: 10.1021/bm301887m. Epub 2013 Mar 28.

Abstract

We have constructed a novel class of "double-hydrophobic" block polypeptides based on the hydrophobic domains found in native elastin, an extracellular matrix protein responsible for the elasticity and resilience of tissues. The block polypeptides comprise proline-rich poly(VPGXG) and glycine-rich poly(VGGVG), both of which dehydrate at higher temperature but form distinct secondary structures, β-turn and β-sheet respectively. In water at 45 °C, the block polypeptides initially assemble into nanoparticles rich in β-turn structures, which further connect into long (>10 μm), beaded nanofibers along with the increase in the β-sheet content. The nanofibers obtained are well-dispersed in water, and show thermoresponsive properties. Polypeptides comprising each block component assemble into different morphologies, showing that the conjugation of poly(VPGXG) and poly(VGGVG) plays a role for beaded fiber formation. These results may provide innovative ideas for designing peptide-based materials but also opportunities for developing novel materials useful for tissue engineering and drug delivery systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Biomimetics
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Elastin / chemistry*
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Nanofibers*
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Tissue Engineering

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Elastin