Exploring LCST- and UCST-like Behavior of Branched Molecules Bearing Repeat Units of Elastin-like Peptides as Side Components

Biomacromolecules. 2024 Nov 11;25(11):7156-7166. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00751. Epub 2024 Oct 9.

Abstract

Elastin-like peptides (ELPs) exhibit lower critical solution temperature (LCST)-type behavior, being soluble at low temperatures and insoluble at high temperatures. While the properties of linear, long-chain ELPs are well-studied, short-chain ELPs, especially those with branched architectures, have been less explored. Herein, to obtain further insights into multimeric short ELPs, we investigated the temperature-responsive properties of branched molecules composed of a repeating pentapeptide unit of short ELPs, Phe-Pro-Gly-Val-Gly, as side components and oligo(Glu) as a backbone structure. In turbidimetry experiments, the branched ELPs showed LCST-like behavior similar to conventional ELPs and upper critical solution temperature (UCST)-like behavior, which are rarely observed in ELPs. In addition, the morphological aspects and mechanisms underlying the temperature-responsiveness were investigated. We observed that spherical aggregates formed, and the branched ELPs underwent structural changes through the self-assembly process. This study demonstrates the unique temperature-responsiveness of branched short ELPs, providing new insights into the future development and use of ELPs with tailored properties.

MeSH terms

  • Elastin* / chemistry
  • Oligopeptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Elastin
  • Peptides
  • Oligopeptides