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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
09:34
Synthesis of Information-bearing Peptoids and their Sequence-directed Dynamic Covalent Self-assembly
Published on: February 6, 2020
Finding REMO: a sequencing method for recognition-encoded melamine oligomers
Ben Iddon1, Pawel H Grab1, Joseph T Smith1
1Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK herchelsmith.orgchem@ch.cam.ac.uk.
Chemical Science
|July 30, 2026
Summary
We developed a new method to determine the sequence of recognition-encoded melamine oligomers (REMOs). This technique uses backbone fragmentation and LCMS detection, enabling analysis of REMO sequence fidelity during template-directed synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Synthetic polymer chemistry
- Supramolecular chemistry
- Chemical analysis
Background:
- Recognition-encoded melamine oligomers (REMOs) are synthetic polymers with a triazine-piperazine backbone.
- REMOs facilitate sequence-selective duplex formation and template-directed synthesis for molecular replication.
- Accurate sequencing is crucial for understanding REMO behavior and replication fidelity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for determining the sequence of REMOs.
- To validate the sequencing method across various REMO lengths and side chains.
- To assess the fidelity of REMO replication using the developed sequencing technique.
Main Methods:
- A two-step backbone fragmentation strategy was employed.
- Selective N-methylation using methyl iodide followed by quaternization.
- Aminolysis with methylamine to cleave the backbone, generating fragments.
- Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) for fragment detection and sequencing.
Main Results:
- The developed method successfully determined REMO sequences.
- The fragmentation strategy proved effective for REMOs with diverse structures.
- The sequencing method was applied to evaluate the fidelity of a REMO replication process.
Conclusions:
- A viable backbone fragmentation method for REMO sequencing was established.
- This method is applicable to various REMO designs and aids in fidelity studies.
- The findings contribute to the advancement of molecular replication technologies.
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