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Self-Assembled Multi- and Single-Chain Glyconanoparticles and Their Lectin Recognition
Yamin Abdouni1, Gijs M Ter Huurne2, Gokhan Yilmaz3,4
1School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
Biomacromolecules
|December 29, 2020
Summary
Amphiphilic glycopolymers self-assemble into nanoparticles. Their structure, influenced by composition and hydrogen bonding, affects binding affinity to lectins, impacting potential applications in molecular recognition.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Amphiphilic glycopolymers are versatile building blocks for self-assembled nanostructures.
- Controlling nanoparticle formation and properties is crucial for targeted applications.
- Supramolecular interactions, like hydrogen bonding, can direct polymer folding and assembly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize amphiphilic glycopolymers using copper(0)-mediated reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (Cu-RDRP).
- To investigate the self-assembly behavior of these glycopolymers into single-chain or multi-chain polymeric nanoparticles.
- To evaluate the influence of polymer composition and supramolecular additives on nanoparticle properties and lectin-binding affinity.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of amphiphilic glycopolymers via Cu-RDRP.
- Physicochemical characterization of synthesized polymers.
- Investigation of nanoparticle formation (single-chain vs. multi-chain).
- Supramolecular assembly using benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamides (BTAs) stabilized by hydrogen bonding.
- Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) for evaluating lectin-binding affinity.
Main Results:
- Glycopolymers successfully synthesized via Cu-RDRP.
- Polymers self-assembled into distinct single-chain or multi-chain nanoparticles based on composition.
- Supramolecular stacks of BTAs further influenced polymer folding and nanoparticle structure.
- Addition of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate led to compact particles with reduced lectin-binding affinity.
- Incorporation of BTAs resulted in unpredictable relationships between particle nature and binding ability.
Conclusions:
- Amphiphilic glycopolymers can be controllably synthesized and self-assemble into nanoparticles.
- Polymer composition and supramolecular additives significantly modulate nanoparticle structure and function.
- The study provides insights into designing glycopolymer nanoparticles for specific lectin recognition, with potential applications in diagnostics and targeted delivery.
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