Preparation and Dynamic Behavior of Protein-Polymer Complexes Formed with Polymer-Binding Peptides

The development of protein-polymer complexes using protein cages is garnering attention as a strategy to overcome challenges that relate to immunogenicity and protease degradation. We propose the use of thermoresponsive polymers such as poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) to form ferritin-polymer complexes through non-covalent interactions. Ferritin is observed to be released from the complexes after 1-2 days incubation at 37 degrees C.