Grafting of short elastin-like peptides using an electric-field

In this work, we investigate using an electric-field to control surface-grafting of short elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) for the first time. Specifically, the goal of this study is to test the hypothesis that electric field and ELP composition will impact the ELP grafting density, grafting kinetics, grafted morphology and structural transition properties. In doing so, we uncover specific drivers for ELP assembly that can be used to control ELP surface properties for future use in applications such as sensing, tissue engineering and capture/release applications.