Fibrous proteins such as silk and elastin are characterized by repeating blocks of amino acid sequences that fold and hierarchically assemble into well-defined secondary structures to provide mechanical and architectural functions. These repeating sequences have been used as building blocks for the development of recombinant protein-based polymers. As a protein is defined by a DNA sequence, recombinant DNA technology can be used to design advanced polymeric materials with an absolute control over chain length and composition. Silk-elastin-like proteins (SELPs) are a class of bioinspired, genetically engineered block copolymers composed of silk and elastin repeating units. As base materials for biomedical purposes, SELP materials demonstrate unique physical, mechanical and biological properties as well as a high versatility of processing, highlighting its potential for biomedical applications. For instance, SELP fiber mats can be applied as wound dressing materials for skin regeneration applications, whereas SELP films have interesting properties for a wide variety of applications. The formulation of composites comprising active nanofillers and recombinant protein-based polymers further expands the potential range of applications, opening new perspectives and paving the way for a new generation of multifunctional biocomposites. In the present work, we demonstrate the development of SELP-based composites with antimicrobial and improved cell adhesion properties through the incorporation of different active fillers into the SELP matrix. Bio-hybrid composites of SELP/AgNPs (silver nanoparticles) with broad antimicrobial activity were produced by adding silver nitrate into a SELP solution, resulting in the formation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in one-step method without the need of additional reducing agents. Similarly, the use of essential oils (EOs) for the formulation of SELP/EOs composites resulted in materials displaying antimicrobial activity and provide the basis for the development of bioactive green materials. Silk-based composites with improved cell adhesion properties were obtained by blending with fibronectin type II (FNII). All the materials demonstrated to be non-cytotoxic, demonstrating the feasibility of using genetically engineered protein polymers as structural matrix for the development of new customized biomaterials through the incorporation of bioactive fillers.

Multifunctional genetically engineered silk/elastin (bio)composites for biomedical applications

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.