Phase‐structure transitions of the elastin polypentapeptide–water system within the framework of composition–temperature studies

Abstract The temperature dependence of the composition of coacervate and equilibrium phases is examined for the polypentapeptide of elastin ( L ‐Val 1 ‐ L ‐Pro 2 ‐Gly 3 ‐ L ‐Val 4 ‐Gly 5 ) n in water. This provides for the development of a phase diagram. CD data is presented that provides information on associated polypeptide structure changes that, when added to previous CD, nmr, and dielectric relaxation data at lower water composition, allow construction of a phase‐structure diagram of the polypentapeptide–water system. The molecular‐weight dependence of phase change (coacervation) is included. The volume–composition studies as a function of temperature also provide temperature coefficients of expansion and of composition important in analyzing the mechanism of elasticity.