Long-term biostability of self-assembling protein polymers in the absence of covalent crosslinking

Biomaterials. 2010 Feb;31(4):779-91. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.09.082. Epub 2009 Oct 24.

Abstract

Unless chemically crosslinked, matrix proteins, such as collagen or silk, display a limited lifetime in vivo with significant degradation observed over a period of weeks. Likewise, amphiphilic peptides, lipopeptides, or glycolipids that self-assemble through hydrophobic interactions to form thin films, fiber networks, or vesicles do not demonstrate in vivo biostability beyond a few days. We report herein that a self-assembling, recombinant elastin-mimetic triblock copolymer elicited minimal inflammatory response and displayed robust in vivo stability for periods exceeding 1 year, in the absence of either chemical or ionic crosslinking. Specifically, neither a significant inflammatory response nor calcification was observed upon implantation of test materials into the peritoneal cavity or subcutaneous space of a mouse model. Moreover, serial quantitative magnetic resonance imaging, evaluation of pre- and post-explant ultrastructure by cryo-high resolution scanning electron microscopy, and an examination of implant mechanical responses revealed substantial preservation of form, material architecture, and biomechanical properties, providing convincing evidence of a non-chemically or ionically crosslinked protein polymer system that exhibits long-term stability in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemical synthesis
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Cryoelectron Microscopy
  • Drug Stability
  • Elastin / chemistry*
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis
  • Polymers / chemistry*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Polymers
  • Elastin