Sensing, Transport and Other Potential Biomedical Applications of Pseudopeptides

Abstract

Pseudopeptides are privileged synthetic molecules built from the designed combination of peptide-like and abiotic artificial moieties. Consequently, they are benefited from the advantages of both families of chemical structures: modular synthesis, chemical and functional diversity, tailored three-dimensional structure, usually high stability in biological media and low non-specific toxicity. Accordingly, in the last years, these compounds have been used for different biomedical applications, ranging from bio-sensing, ion transport, the molecular recognition of biologically relevant species, drug delivery or gene transfection. This review highlights a selection of the most remarkable and recent advances in this field.

Design of C2-symmetric pseudopeptides for in vivo detection of Cu(ii) through controlled supramolecular nano-assembly

“…14 Many efforts have been devoted to synthesizing a system by combining amino acids with nonnatural components to get the desired functionality. 4,[15][16][17] Several receptors containing flexible (aliphatic) and stiff (aromatic) parts as a central unit have been synthesized. 18,19 The nature of central spacers is the key determining factor of the structure.…”

Synthesis of second-generation self-assembling Gemini Amphiphilic Pseudopeptides

“…In addition, peptide-like molecules are easy to synthesize and they usually show low unspecific toxicity and good biocompatibility. [44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54] However, the fast biodegradation rate of the peptide bond represents the main drawback of these molecules. A possible solution would be the combination of peptide-like moieties with non-peptidic artificial structures, which will implement an increased stability in biological media.…”