Azobenzene-Modified Temperature-Responsive Short Elastin-like Peptides for Photo-Controlled Phase Transition

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Elastin-like peptides (ELPs) are known for their temperature-responsive properties, making them suitable for drug delivery.
• Developing stimuli-responsive materials is crucial for advanced therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel self-assembling peptide analogues with combined photo- and temperature-responsiveness.
• To investigate the photoisomerization and aggregation behavior of ELP-azobenzene conjugates.
• To evaluate their potential as precisely controllable drug carriers.

Main Methods:

• Conjugation of short elastin-like peptides (ELPs) with azobenzene derivatives.
• Characterization of spectral changes upon light irradiation (UV/visible).
• Assessment of temperature-responsive phase separation in aqueous solutions.
• Analysis of aggregation behavior based on isomer forms (trans/cis).

Main Results:

• Synthesized ELP-azobenzene conjugates showed reversible spectral changes and temperature-dependent phase separation.
• Aggregation ability was higher for trans-isomers compared to cis-isomers due to altered hydrophilicity.
• Light irradiation allowed for controlled manipulation of ELP-azobenzene conjugate aggregates.
• Photoisomerization of azobenzene moiety influenced the material's properties.

Conclusions:

• A facile method for synthesizing low-molecular-weight, photo- and temperature-responsive ELP analogues was established.
• These ELP-azobenzene conjugates demonstrate potential as drug carriers with light-controlled release capabilities.
• The developed materials offer precise control over drug delivery mechanisms.