abstract
Proteins display an essential role in numerous natural systems due to their structural and biological properties. Given their unique properties, proteins have been thoroughly investigated in the last few decades, offering a myriad of solutions for the development of innovative biomaterials, including films, foams, composites and gels, in particular for biomedical applications such as drug delivery systems, biosensors and scaffolds for tissue regeneration. In this context, this review intends to give a general overview of the potential of protein based materials within the sustainable polymers context, covering aspects ranging from protein types, selection/isolation to properties of protein based (nano) materials and biomedical applications, passing through preparation methodologies of materials.
keywords
TISSUE-ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS; ELASTIN-LIKE POLYPEPTIDE; COLLAGEN/HYDROXYAPATITE COMPOSITE-MATERIALS; CALCIUM-PHOSPHATE SCAFFOLDS; MORI SILK FIBROIN; SOY PROTEIN; MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES; IN-VITRO; SILVER NANOPARTICLES; PHYSICAL-PROPERTIES
subject category
Materials Science
authors
Silva, NHCS; Vilela, C; Marrucho, IM; Freire, CSR; Neto, CP; Silvestre, AJD
our authors
Armando Jorge Domingues Silvestre
Full professor
Carla Vilela
Assistant Professor
Carlos Pascoal Neto
Raiz Director
Carmen Sofia da Rocha Freire Barros
Coordinating Researcher
Nuno Helder da Cruz Simões Silva
Researcheracknowledgements
The authors wish to thank FCT (Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia) and POPH/FSE for the doctoral grant to NHCSS (SFRH/BD/85690/2012), the postdoctoral grant to CV (SFRH/BPD/84168/2012) and for Associate Laboratory CICECO funding (PEst-C/CTM/LA0011/2013). C. S. R. Freire also acknowledges FCT/MCTES for a research contract under the Program