ELPs can be synthetically conjugated to poly (ethylene glycol) by adding a cyclooctyne functional motif to the poly (ethylene glycol) and an azide group to the ELP.  Through a cycloaddition reaction involving both of the functional groups and manipulation of the solvent pH, diblock and star polymers can be formed. Rather than forming the canonical spherical clumps above the transition temperature, this specific conjugated ELP forms a micelle with amphiphillic properties, in which the polar head groups face outward and the hydrophobic domains face inward.  Such micelles may be helpful in delivering nonpolar drugs to the body.