Biomimetic Elastin-derived Polypeptides for Development of Stem Cell-based Products

In the rapidly expanding fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, stem cells represent an ideal cell source for tissues and organs reconstruction. The potential of using these cells for applications in cell-based therapies is currently a major subject of research since they can be readily isolated, expanded and transplanted. However, the cells in vivo, are surrounded by a multitude of other cells embedded within the extracellular matrix in an active environment, sending them instructional signals. Proteins are a promising alternative to synthetic polymers for supporting cells in that they are the intrinsic constituents both of the cells and of the natural matrices on which cells adhere and grow. In our lab, prototypic polypeptides were recombinantly produced with the aim of realizing a family of protein polymers whose functionality can be further expanded adding a bioactive domain to the macromolecule. We propose to exploit the features of these biopolimers to prepare micro and nanostructured matrices and supports suitable for stem cell growth.