Characterization of Elastin-Containing Polymer Blends Using Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy.

Abstract

Elastin is the polymeric extracellular matrix protein that confers the ability to stretch and recoil to vertebrate connective tissues such as blood vessels and skin. Due to its unique mechanical and biological properties, elastin is an attractive candidate for the fabrication of biomaterials. Therefore, elastin and elastin-based hybrid constructs have been the focus of investigation for their potential use in tissue engineering, repair, and replacement. Electrospinning is a common method for the production of nanofibers, and has been used to fabricate elastin-based materials. Most studies usually describe the morphological features, mechanical properties, and cell- and bio-compatibility of these materials, but very few focus on the molecular-level characterization. Solid-state NMR (SSNMR) provides a means to probe the structure and dynamics of these solid biomaterials, and thus seems to be a promising tool for their molecular-level characterization. In this study, electrospun samples of elastin and two synthetic polymer-elastin blends were prepared. First, blends were compared to the individual components using one-dimensional SSNMR spectra. NMR relaxation experiments were then used to probe for molecular motions, inter-polymer interactions, and the effects of hydration on the system.