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Prebiotic alternatives to proteins: structure and function of hyperbranched polyesters.

Irena Mamajanov1, Michael P Callahan, Jason P Dworkin

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Hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) offer a potential alternative to proteins for early life functions. These polymers, synthesized easily, show promise for ligand binding and catalysis, acting as rudimentary smart materials.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Astrobiology

Background:

  • Proteins perform essential biological functions via complex 3D structures, but their prebiotic synthesis is challenging.
  • Alternative macromolecules may have served crucial roles in early chemical evolution.
  • Hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) offer a potential solution due to their unique structure and properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) as plausible prebiotic functional macromolecules.
  • To investigate the synthesis and properties of glycerol-citric acid HBPs.
  • To assess the potential of HBPs for ligand binding and catalysis in early chemical evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of glycerol-citric acid HBPs via moderate dry heating.
  • Characterization using NMR, mass spectrometry, and size-exclusion chromatography.
  • Investigation of divalent cation effects on HBP composition and structure.

Main Results:

  • Glycerol-citric acid HBPs were synthesized as a mixture of isomers with varying molar masses.
  • Divalent cations increased citric acid incorporation and potentially formed cation-oligomer complexes.
  • The polymerization system demonstrated characteristics of a rudimentary smart material.

Conclusions:

  • HBPs represent a viable alternative to polypeptides for early biological functions.
  • The chelating properties of citric acid enable the creation of tunable HBP materials.
  • This study provides a foundation for exploring HBPs in prebiotic chemistry and materials science.