Structure-property relationships of elastin-like polypeptides -- a review of experimental and computational studies

TL;DR

This review discusses how experimental and computational studies have advanced understanding of the relationship between structure and properties of elastin-like polypeptides, focusing on their LCST behavior and mechanical characteristics.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of recent experimental and computational insights into the structure-property relationships of ELPs, aiding future material design.

Findings

ELPs exhibit LCST and mechanical properties similar to tropoelastin.

Sequence variations influence ELP phase transition and elasticity.

Computational models help predict ELP behavior based on sequence.

Abstract

Elastin is a structural protein with outstanding mechanical properties (e.g., elasticity and resilience) and biologically relevant functions (e.g., triggering responses like cell adhesion or chemotaxis). It is formed from its precursor tropoelastin, a 60-72 kDa water-soluble and temperature-responsive protein that coacervates at physiological temperature, undergoing a phenomenon termed lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Inspired by this behaviour, many scientists and engineers are developing recombinantly produced elastin-inspired biopolymers, usually termed elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs). These ELPs are generally comprised of repetitive motifs with the sequence VPGXG, which corresponds to repeats of a small part of the tropoelastin sequence, X being any amino acid except proline. ELPs display LCST and mechanical properties similar to tropoelastin, which renders them promising candidates for the development of elastic and stimuli-responsive protein-based materials. Unveiling the structure-property relationships of ELPs can aid in the development of these materials by establishing the connections between the ELP amino acid sequence and the macroscopic properties of the materials. Here we present a review of the structure-property relationships of ELPs and ELP-based materials, with a focus on LCST and mechanical properties and how experimental and computational studies have aided in their understanding.