Sensors and Theranostic Devices Based upon Elastin-Like Polypeptides

Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs), synthetic biopolymers inspired by human tropoelastin, have gained considerable attention as versatile nanomaterials for biomedical use due to their inherent biodegradability and tunable molecular architecture. Above a defined transition temperature (Tt), ELPs undergo self-assembly into nanoparticles, with their sequence composition dictating physicochemical behavior. These unique features enable the design of multifunctional systems where ELPs serve both as responsive drug carriers and diagnostic sensors. Their ability to react to physiological stimuli such as temperature or pH allows for controlled, site-specific drug release while also offering potential in biosensing applications. This review highlights ELP sensor design strategies, evaluates their advantages, and outlines the challenges and translational opportunities in advancing ELP-based nanomaterials toward sensor-enabled drug delivery and diagnostic platforms.