Traceless linkers used for reversible protein-polymer conjugations

Area of Science:

• Biomolecular Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Proteins and peptides are crucial therapeutic biomolecules.
• Polymer conjugation improves protein stability and circulation time.
• Conjugation can decrease protein bioactivity due to steric hindrance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review linkers for reversible protein-polymer conjugation.
• To explore strategies mitigating conjugation's negative impact on bioactivity.
• To balance conjugation benefits with native protein function restoration.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of reversible protein-polymer conjugation techniques.
• Analysis of various linker chemistries for traceless conjugation.
• Discussion of stimuli-responsive release mechanisms for native protein recovery.

Main Results:

• Identified diverse linker strategies for reversible polymer conjugation.
• Demonstrated potential for stimuli-responsive release of native proteins.
• Highlighted methods to overcome bioactivity loss associated with polymer conjugation.

Conclusions:

• Reversible conjugation offers a solution to maintain protein bioactivity.
• Linker design is critical for effective traceless protein-polymer conjugates.
• This approach enhances therapeutic protein applications by combining stability and efficacy.