Site-Specific Polymer-Protein-Polymer Conjugates for the Preparation of Dual Responsive Multilayer Nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Protein-polymer materials offer significant potential for advanced applications.
• Challenges exist in simultaneously controlling protein structure/function and polymer architecture for multi-component systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for site-specific conjugation of multiple polymers to native proteins.
• To create dual-responsive, multilayered polymer-protein nanoparticles with programmable properties.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a rebridging agent combined with thiol-induced, light-activated controlled radical polymerization (TIRP).
• Site-specifically conjugated poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) and a glycopolymer to bovine serum albumin (BSA).
• Investigated nanoparticle formation, assembly, disassembly, and clustering triggered by stimuli and lectin binding.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized pNIPAM-BSA-glycopolymer conjugates with defined structures.
• Formed dual-responsive nanoparticles that assemble into multilayer structures upon stimulation.
• Demonstrated controlled, stimulus-dependent step-wise or one-step disassembly of nanoparticles.
• Showcased programmable formation of distinct nanoparticles or large clusters by controlling glycopolymer ratios.

Conclusions:

• The developed TIRP-based method enables precise control over polymer conjugation to proteins, preserving protein integrity.
• Accessible dual-responsive multilayered polymer-protein nanoparticles with tunable assembly and disassembly characteristics.
• This platform allows for the creation of advanced nanomaterials with programmable functions for diverse applications.