Biological–synthetic hybrid block copolymers: Combining the best from two worlds

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Although biopolymers and synthetic polymers share many common features, each of these two classes of materials is also characterized by a distinct and very specific set of advantages and disadvantages. Combining biopolymer elements with synthetic polymers into a single macromolecular conjugate is an interesting strategy for synergetically merging the properties of the individual components and overcoming some of their limitations. This article focuses on a special class of biological-synthetic hybrids that are obtained by site-selective conjugation of a protein or peptide and a synthetic polymer. The first part of the article gives an overview of the different liquid-phase and solidphase techniques that have been developed for the synthesis of well-defined, that is, site-selectively conjugated, synthetic polymer-protein hybrids. In the second part, the properties and potential applications of these materials are discussed. The conjugation of biological and synthetic macromolecules allows the modulation of protein binding and recognition properties and is a powerful strategy for mediating the self-assembly of synthetic polymers. Synthetic polymer-protein hybrids are already used as medicines and show significant promise for bioanalytical applications and bioseparations.

Biological Soft Materials

“…[129] The formation of nanostructures, including nanofibrils, from block copolymers containing peptide sequences has been the focus of much recent activity, as summarized in several reviews. [82,130,131] Fibrils result from intermolecular hydrogen bonding of the polymers into b-sheet structures. The conjugation of b-sheet peptides to PEG confers enhanced solubility and is of interest in peptide therapeutics, because PEG can provide steric stabilization of a peptide drug.…”

Sequence-Dependent Structural Stability of Self-Assembled Cylindrical Nanofibers by Peptide Amphiphiles

“…24,26 Individual fibrillar nanostructures are characterized by cylindrical nanofibers that exhibit β-sheet elements on the surface with a hydrophobic core. 2,11 Early design principles of PA molecules have primarily emphasized structural modifications to improve biocompatibility or to minimize immunogenic properties; 11,27 however, with the aims to use PA self-assembled nanostructures as a synthetic hydrogel scaffold that mimics extracellular matrix, consideration is also placed on the relationship between structural characteristics and mechanical behavior. For example, modifying the mechanical rigidity of hydrogels serving as extracellular matrix results in different cell adhesion and cell differentiation behaviors.…”

The Effect of PEG Crystallization on the Morphology of PEG/Peptide Block Copolymers Containing Amyloid β‐Peptide Fragments

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] The self-assembly of the peptide can be influenced by the synthetic polymer, resulting in distinct tertiary structures. From another viewpoint, peptide functionalities can be attached to synthetic polymers conferring novel ligands that can self-assemble or interact with biomaterials in a targeted fashion.…”