Recombinant genetic engineering produces polymers with a molecular level of control over monomer order and polymer length in a highly reproducible fashion. This exquisite control over structure gives the capability to build polymers with precise control over physicochemical properties. One class of recombinant type materials, first developed by Cappello and coworkers, is the silk-elastinlike protein polymers referred to as SELPs. SELPs combine the mechanical strength of silk with the stimuli responsive solubility and biocompatibility of elastin. Over the years, our laboratories have collaborated on the design and development of SELPs for localized drug and gene delivery. The sequence and ratio of silk to elastin motifs, as well as polymer concentration control the temporal release of bioactive agents from SELP hydrogels. Proteases such as elastases actively degrade SELPs. We utilized this phenomenon to control release of adenoviral gene carriers for localized head and neck cancer therapy. To facilitate further degradation and release of viral gene carriers in a tumor responsive system, we introduced matrix metalloprotease (MMP) responsive sequences in strategic locations in the polymer backbone. Results demonstrated MMP-responsive SELP matrix-mediated adenoviral delivery increase survival of tumor bearing mice. Recent efforts using SELPs in our laboratory include investigation of these polymers as liquid embolics for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, localized delivery of therapeutic glycosaminoglycans for prophylactic treatment of radiation-induced proctitis, and design and development of SELP nanogels for systemic delivery. This talk will be an overview of design and development of SELPs for controlled delivery and as liquid embolics with emphasis on recent data.

Silk-elastinlike polymers for controlled delivery and as liquid embolics

254th National Meeting (2017)

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