Tropoelastin: A versatile, bioactive assembly module

Autor: Giselle C. Yeo, Steven G. Wise, Martin K.C. Ng, Anthony S. Weiss, Matti A. Hiob, David L. Kaplan, Jelena Rnjak-Kovacina
Rok vydání: 2014
Předmět:
Zdroj: Acta Biomaterialia. 10:1532-1541
ISSN: 1742-7061
Popis: Elastin provides structural integrity, biological cues and persistent elasticity to a range of important tissues including the vasculature and lungs. Its critical importance to normal physiology makes it a desirable component of biomaterials that seek to repair or replace these tissues. The recent availability of large quantities of the highly purified elastin monomer, tropoelastin, have allowed for a thorough characterization of the mechanical and biological mechanisms underpinning the benefits of mature elastin. While tropoelastin is a flexible molecule, a combination of optical and structural analyses has defined key regions of the molecule that directly contribute to the elastomeric properties and control the cell interactions of the protein. Insights into the structure and behavior of tropoelastin have translated into increasingly sophisticated elastin-like biomaterials, evolving from classically manufactured hydrogels and fibers to new forms, stabilized in the absence of incorporated cross-linkers. Tropoelastin is also compatible with synthetic and natural co-polymers, expanding the applications of its potential use beyond traditional elastin-rich tissues and facilitating finer control of biomaterial properties and the design of next-generation tailored bioactive materials.
Databáze: OpenAIRE