Protein-Based Thermoplastic Elastomers
Citations Over TimeTop 10% of 2004 papers
Abstract
Investigations of high molecular weight recombinant protein triblock copolymers demonstrate unique opportunities to systematically modify material microstructure on both nano- and meso-length scales in a manner not been previously demonstrated for protein polymer systems. Significantly, through the biosynthesis of BAB-type copolymers containing flanking, plastic-like end blocks and an elastomeric midblock, virtually cross-linked protein-based materials were generated that exhibit tunable properties in a manner completely analogous to synthetic thermoplastic elastomers. Through the rational choice of processing conditions that control meso- and nanoscale structure, changes of greater than 3 orders of magnitude in Young's modulus (0.03−35 MPa) and 5-fold in elongation to break (250−1300%) were observed. Extensibility of this range or magnitude has not been previously reported for virtually cross-linked copolymers that have been produced by either chemical or biosynthetic approaches. We anticipate that these versatile protein-based thermoplastic elastomers will find applications as novel scaffolds for tissue engineering and as new biomaterials for controlled drug release and cell encapsulation.
Related Papers
- → Shifting Boundaries: Controlling Molecular Weight Distribution Shape for Mechanically Enhanced Thermoplastic Elastomers(2020)60 cited
- → Rubber-Thermoplastic Compositions. Part IX. Blends of Dissimilar Rubbers and Plastics with Technological Compatibilization(1985)100 cited
- → Morphology of Elastomeric Alloys(1991)96 cited
- → Recent Developments in Urethane Elastomers and Reaction Injection Molded (RIM) Elastomers(1980)26 cited
- → An Approach to New Polymeric Materials via Blocks, Grafts and Blends(1977)1 cited