Sequence-directed dynamic covalent assembly of base-4-encoded oligomers

Area of Science:

• Biomimetic chemistry
• Supramolecular chemistry
• Synthetic biology

Background:

• Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a fundamental information-carrying biomacromolecule, utilizing a base-4 encoding system with four nucleobases.
• The sequence-selective hybridization of DNA is a highly specific and information-dense process.
• Developing synthetic systems that mimic DNA's information storage and retrieval capabilities is a key challenge in molecular science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop synthetic molecules capable of information-dense, sequence-selective assembly.
• To create molecular architectures such as ladders and grids using a base-4 encoding system.
• To explore the utility of dynamic covalent chemistry for programmable molecular self-assembly.

Main Methods:

• Design and synthesis of base-4 encoded oligo(peptoid)s.
• Utilizing two orthogonal dynamic covalent interactions for controlled coupling.
• Characterization of self-assembled molecular structures (ladders and grids).

Main Results:

• Demonstrated successful base-4 encoding in oligo(peptoid)s, analogous to DNA.
• Achieved selective formation of molecular ladders and grids through orthogonal dynamic covalent bonds.
• Validated the information-dense and sequence-selective nature of the designed oligo(peptoid) system.

Conclusions:

• Base-4 encoded oligo(peptoid)s can effectively mimic DNA's information storage and selective binding properties.
• Orthogonal dynamic covalent interactions provide a powerful tool for programming the self-assembly of complex molecular architectures.
• This approach offers a new platform for creating sophisticated, information-driven molecular systems.