Glycopolymer Code: Programming Synthetic Macromolecules for Biological Targeting

Abstract

Targeting in a cellular level is still one of the major challenges in biomedical treatments. However, new synthetic and analytical techniques now allow the development of precisely prepared macromolecules. Thus, glycopolymer chains are reported to be prepared with controlled length, monomer sequences, as well as chain‐folded structures. A high level of complexity in synthetic macromolecules also allows increased selectivity in targeting, which is a key factor in biomedical applications.

Synthesis of well-defined cyclic glycopolymers and the relationship between their physical properties and their interaction with lectins

“…13,14 Synthetic polymers displaying glycoepitopes (glycopolymers) exhibit high affinity for target lectins and may be potential nanomedicines. [15][16][17] Recently, the synthesis of glycopolymers with cyclic structures and their interactions with lectins have been reported. 18,19 However, the relationship between their physical properties, specifically molecular mobility, and their biomolecular interactions has not been widely discussed, despite the fact that the unique properties of cyclic polymers stem from their suppressed molecular mobility.…”

Applications of Discrete Synthetic Macromolecules in Life and Materials Science: Recent and Future Trends

“…In living matter, carbohydrates play an important role and are crucial for many biological processes including cell recognition, cell growth regulation, adhesion, as well as inflammation and immune responses. [219,220] Especially in biomedical treatments, the carbohydrate-cell interaction is required to be highly selective to the targeted cell type, in order to avoid side reactions with other cell, which poses as one of the biggest challenges. The encounter of carbohydrates with a cell takes place over carbohydrate binding proteins (lectins), which are highly abundant on the cell surface.…”

Tailor-made glycopolymersviareversible deactivation radical polymerization: design, properties and applications

“…Glycopolymers belong to the class of synthetic polymers bearing pendant sugar units that are receiving considerable attention among the scientific community as glycan analogs. 6,16–19 Owing to the multivalency of sugar units, they can mimic the function of glycans; however, their selectivity might not be as good as a natural glycocalyx. 20–22 Therefore, it is crucial to manipulate the sugar density, length, and architecture of glycopolymers to control the binding rates.…”