Future Trends for Recombinant Protein‐Based Polymers: The Case Study of Development and Application of Silk‐Elastin‐Like Polymers

High Level Biosynthesis of a Silk-Elastin-like Protein inE. coli

“…Silk-elastin-like proteins (SELPs) which are designed to combine the mechanical and biological properties of both silk and elastin in a single structure offer opportunities for the creation of de novo biomaterials tailored for specific applications. , These artificial block copolymers are based on repetitive amino acid sequence motifs commonly found in silk and elastin, and combine the high mechanical and tensile strength of the former with the high resilience of the latter. − …”

“…Indeed, by varying the ratio, size, or content of the silk and/or elastin-like motifs, or by modifying the amino acid sequence of these, one can fine-tune the composition and molecular structure of the polymers and hence precisely control their mechanical, biological and physicochemical properties. In fact, SELP properties such as material strength, elasticity, solubility, rheological behavior, pore size, biocompatibility and biodegradability can be precisely controlled by varying the amino acid composition and sequence. ,, Furthermore, by careful genetic engineering approaches, these polymers can even be imparted with sensitivity to stimuli such as temperature, ionic strength, and pH. − Clearly, this versatility in design gives SELPs numerous benefits, enabling the development of innovative biomaterials with superior properties which can be customized for a particular application. , …”

“…SELPs can be processed into nano- and macrostructures such as hydrogels, fibers, and films ,, and have found a number of applications as biomaterials and in biomedicine. They have already been shown to be suited for use as drug delivery systems , and in gene delivery , where their specificity and homogeneity of composition, robustness, biocompatibility, and stimuli sensitivity − allow for controlled release in a target specific manner.…”

Biocomposites of Silk-Elastin and Essential Oil from Mentha piperita Display Antibacterial Activity

“… 34 − 36 These protein polymers consist of repeats of silk and elastin blocks inspired by natural structural proteins—silk fibroin and mammalian tropoelastin—and are obtained by recombinant DNA technology with precisely defined composition and length. 35 , 37 , 38 The silk block imparts thermal and chemical stability, 35 , 39 whereas the elastin block increases water solubility and provides flexibility and resiliency. 35 , 39 Due to the presence of the elastin unit, SELPs are water-soluble, which allows us to implement eco-friendly processing methods, using only water as the solvent.…”

“… 35 , 37 , 38 The silk block imparts thermal and chemical stability, 35 , 39 whereas the elastin block increases water solubility and provides flexibility and resiliency. 35 , 39 Due to the presence of the elastin unit, SELPs are water-soluble, which allows us to implement eco-friendly processing methods, using only water as the solvent. Moreover, rPPs are produced in microbial cell factories through fermentation, meaning that production is not strictly dependent on natural or oil-based resources, representing an opportunity to develop more sustainable solutions.…”