RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Developing functionality in elastin-like polymers by increasing their molecular complexity: the power of the genetic engineering approach
A1 Rodríguez Cabello, José Carlos
A1 Reguera, Javier
A1 Girotti ., Alessandra
A1 Alonso Rodrigo, Matilde
A1 Testera Gorgojo, Ana María
K1 Protein-based polymers, Genetic engineering, Smart polymersSelf-assembly, Nanobiotechnology, Tissue engineering, Drug delivery
K1 Protein-based polymers, Genetic engineering, Smart polymersSelf-assembly, Nanobiotechnology, Tissue engineering, Drug delivery
AB In spite of the enormous possibilities presented by macromolecules for the development of advanced materials with increased functionality, the achievement of functionality is often limited by the randomness associated with polymer synthesis and the exponential increase in technical difficulties encountered in attaining a desired degree of complexity in the molecular design. This paper describes an increasingly important approach to the design of complex and highly functional macromolecules, i.e. the genetic engineering of protein-based macromolecules. The exploitation of the efficient machinery of protein synthesis in living cells opens a route to precisely defined and complex macromolecules.A series of molecular designs with increasing complexity are presented to show how this controlled increase yields materials with increasingly selective and sophisticated multifunctionality. The simplest designs already show interesting mechanical properties, but the adequate introduction of given chemical functions along the polymer chain provides an opportunity to expand the range of properties to smart behavior and self-assembly. Finally, examples are given where the molecular designs further incorporate selected bioactivities in order to develop materials for the most cutting-edge applications in f biomedicine and nanobiotechnology.
PB Elsevier
SN 0079-6700
YR 2005
FD 2005-11-13
LK https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/73747
UL https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/73747
LA eng
NO Progress in Polymer Science, November 2005, vol 30, issue 11, Pages 1119-1145,
NO Producción Científica
DS UVaDOC
RD 15-ene-2025