RAFT Nano-constructs: surfing to biological applications

J Pept Sci. 2008 Feb;14(2):224-40. doi: 10.1002/psc.964.

Abstract

Biologically programmed molecular recognition provides the basis of all natural systems and supplies evolution-optimized functional materials from self-assembly of a limited number of molecular building blocks. Biomolecules such as peptides, nucleic acids and carbohydrates represent a diverse supply of structural building blocks for the chemist to design and fabricate new functional nanostructured architectures. In this context, we review here the chemistry we have developed to conjugate peptides with nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and organic molecules, as well as combinations thereof using a template-assembled approach. With this methodology, we have prepared new integrated functional systems exhibiting designed properties in the field of nanovectors, biosensors as well as controlled peptide self-assembly. Thus this molecular engineering approach allows for the rational design of systems with integrated tailor-made properties and paves the way to more elaborate applications by bottom-up design in the domain of nanobiosciences.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biology
  • Biomimetic Materials / chemistry
  • Drug Design
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Stereoisomerism