Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group

abstract

Controlling molecular interactions between bioinspired molecules can enable the development of new materials with higher complexity and innovative properties. Here we report on a dynamic system that emerges from the conformational modification of an elastin-like protein by peptide amphiphiles and with the capacity to access, and be maintained in, non-equilibrium for substantial periods of time. The system enables the formation of a robust membrane that displays controlled assembly and disassembly capabilities, adhesion and sealing to surfaces, self-healing and the capability to undergo morphogenesis into tubular structures with high spatiotemporal control. We use advanced microscopy along with turbidity and spectroscopic measurements to investigate the mechanism of assembly and its relation to the distinctive membrane architecture and the resulting dynamic properties. Using cell-culture experiments with endothelial and adipose-derived stem cells, we demonstrate the potential of this system to generate complex bioactive scaffolds for applications such as tissue engineering.

info.journal
Nature Chemistry
info.volume
7
info.issue
11
info.pagination
897–904
info.publisher
Nature
info.issn
1755-4330
info.url
http://www.nature.com/nchem/journal/v7/n11/full/nchem.2349.html
info.keywords
Bioinspired materials, Biomedical materials, Molecular self-assembly
info.rights
Restricted Access
info.peerReviewed.label
info.peerReviewed.yes
info.status
published
sidebar.yearOfPublication
2015
sidebar.doi
10.1038/nchem.2349
sidebar.datePublished
2015-09-28
sidebar.googleScholarsidebar.bibTexsidebar.rtf
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