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Elastin‐like recombinamers: Biosynthetic strategies and biotechnological applications
Author(s) -
Girotti Alessandra,
FernándezColino Alicia,
López Isabel M.,
RodríguezCabello José C.,
Arias Francisco J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
biotechnology journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.144
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1860-7314
pISSN - 1860-6768
DOI - 10.1002/biot.201100116
Subject(s) - nanotechnology , biocompatibility , elastin , genetically engineered , drug delivery , tissue engineering , materials science , chemistry , biology , engineering , biochemistry , biomedical engineering , genetics , metallurgy , gene
The past few decades have witnessed the development of novel naturally inspired biomimetic materials, such as polysaccharides and proteins. Likewise, the seemingly exponential evolution of genetic‐engineering techniques and modern biotechnology has led to the emergence of advanced protein‐based materials with multifunctional properties. This approach allows extraordinary control over the architecture of the polymer, and therefore, monodispersity, controlled physicochemical properties, and high sequence complexity that would otherwise be impossible to attain. Elastin‐like recombinamers (ELRs) are emerging as some of the most prolific of these protein‐based biopolymers. Indeed, their inherent properties, such as biocompatibility, smart nature, and mechanical qualities, make these recombinant polymers suitable for use in numerous biomedical and nanotechnology applications, such as tissue engineering, “smart” nanodevices, drug delivery, and protein purification. Herein, we present recent progress in the biotechnological applications of ELRs and the most important genetic engineering‐based strategies used in their biosynthesis.