Phase separation and mechanical properties of an elastomeric biomaterial from spider wrapping silk and elastin block copolymers

This study describes the biophysical characterization of recombinant polypeptides designed by combining spider wrapping silk and elastin‐like sequences as a strategy to rationally increase the strength of elastin‐based materials while maintaining extensibility. We demonstrate a thermo‐responsive phase separation and spontaneous colloid‐like droplet formation from silk‐elastin block copolymers, and from a thirty‐four residue disordered region of Argiope trifasciata wrapping silk alone, and measure a comprehensive suite of tensile mechanical properties from cross‐linked materials. Silk‐elastin materials exhibited significantly increased strength, toughness, and stiffness compared to an elastin‐only material, while retaining high failure strains and low energy loss upon recoil. These data demonstrate the mechanical tunability of protein polymer biomaterials through modular, chimeric recombination, and provide structural insights into mechanical design. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Source: Biopolymers - June 8, 2016 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Lisa D. Muiznieks, Fred W. Keeley Tags: Original Article Source Type: research