SUBPOL: a novel SUcrose-Based Polymer support for solid-phase peptide synthesis and affinity chromatography...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomaterials Science
• Affinity Chromatography

Background:

• Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) requires robust and versatile polymer supports.
• Existing supports often lack the specific hydrophilic properties needed for certain biomolecule separations.
• Developing novel materials is crucial for advancing peptide synthesis and bioseparation techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel sucrose-based polymer support (SUBPOL) for SPPS.
• To evaluate SUBPOL's performance in synthesizing various peptides, including d-amino acid peptides and viral protein fragments.
• To demonstrate SUBPOL's application as a hydrophilic affinity matrix for specific fibrinogen removal from human plasma.

Main Methods:

• Suspension polymerization of modified sucrose to create hydrophilic polymer beads.
• Morphology control via porogen variation and degree of substitution.
• Functionalization with amino groups and silylation for SPPS compatibility.
• Peptide synthesis using Fmoc/tBu strategy on SUBPOL resins.
• Preparation of a fibrinogen-binding affinity adsorbent.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized hydrophilic spherical SUBPOL beads with controllable morphology.
• Achieved comparable yields and purities for synthesized peptides (hexapeptides, 19-mer peptide) to polystyrene resins.
• Demonstrated effective specific removal of fibrinogen from human plasma using a SUBPOL-based affinity adsorbent.
• Highlighted the significant impact of SUBPOL morphology on adsorption performance.

Conclusions:

• SUBPOL is a viable and effective hydrophilic support for SPPS.
• SUBPOL-based affinity matrices show promise for specific biomolecule purification, such as fibrinogen removal.
• The tailored morphology of SUBPOL is critical for optimizing its performance in both peptide synthesis and affinity applications.