Cationic protein polymers as scaffolds for multivalent and polyvalent ligand display, in solution and in crosslinked hydrogels

PMSE 111

Annelise E. Barron, a-barron@northwestern.edu1, Nicolynn Davis1, Sheng Ding, s-ding@northwestern.edu2, Lindsay Karfeld, l-karfeld@northwestern.edu1, and Phillip B. Messersmith, philm@northwestern.edu3. (1) Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, (2) Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Cell Biology, Northwestern University, 2205 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208, (3) Biomedical Engineering Department, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208
We describe the biosynthesis, functionalization, and use of a new class of linear, random-coil, monodisperse protein polymers designed to serve flexibly as scaffolds for polyvalent display, as multivalent MRI contrast agents, and for implementation as crosslinked tissue engineering hydrogels. These linear proteins are easily manipulated to systematically vary the chemical structure of the protein (amino acid sequence, chain length, protein block-copolymers), as well as the type, position, and density of attached functional groups. Monodisperse protein polymers are well suited for use as building blocks to create comb-like architectures for various biological applications.
 

Polypeptide and Protein Materials
8:00 AM-11:40 AM, Monday, August 20, 2007 Westin Boston Waterfront -- Commonwealth Blrm C, Oral

Division of Polymeric Materials: Science & Engineering

The 234th ACS National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 19-23, 2007