CHAPTER 19: Elastin-like Hydrogels and Self-assembled Nanostructures for Drug Delivery

Elastin-Like Recombinamers (ELRs) are a family of protein-based polymers showing extraordinary properties, mimicking those shown by natural elastin. Their smart behavior, self-assembly and high biocompatibility make them suitable candidates for the most cutting-edge applications in biomedicine and nanotechnology. ELRs present high versatility and can be modulated and processed in various forms, including films, fiber networks, nanoparticles and hydrogels. In this chapter the main features of ELRs and the preparation and the performance of chemical and physical ELR hydrogels and nano-sized structures are described and analyzed from the point of view of current potential applications in the field of drug, protein and gene delivery.