Vesicles from peptidic side-chain polymers synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization

Biomacromolecules. 2008 Nov;9(11):2997-3003. doi: 10.1021/bm8006693. Epub 2008 Sep 27.

Abstract

Block copolymers can adopt a wide range of morphologies in dilute aqueous solution. There is a significant amount of interest in the use of block copolymer vesicles for a number of applications. We show that a series of oligo(valine) and oligo(phenylalanine) peptides coupled to a methacrylic group can be prepared by conventional peptide coupling techniques. These can be successfully polymerized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) in hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) giving access to poly(ethylene oxide)- b-poly(side-chain peptides). Many of these polymers self-assemble to form vesicles using an organic to aqueous solvent exchange. One example with a divaline hydrophobic block gives a mixture of toroids and vesicles. Circular dichroism demonstrates that secondary structuring is observed in the hydrophobic region of the vesicle walls for the valine side-chain containing polymers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Molecular Conformation
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Phenylalanine
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Rheology
  • Solvents
  • Valine

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Polymers
  • Solvents
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Phenylalanine
  • Valine