Versatile strategy for the synthesis of dendronlike polypeptide/linear poly(epsilon-caprolactone) block copolymers via click chemistry

Biomacromolecules. 2009 May 11;10(5):1140-8. doi: 10.1021/bm801368y.

Abstract

A new class of dendron-like polypeptide/linear poly(epsilon-caprolactone) block copolymers with asymmetrical topology (i.e., dendron-like poly(gamma-benzyl-l-glutamate)/linear PCL copolymers having 2(m) PBLG branches, m = 0, 1, 2, and 3; denoted as PCL-Dm-PBLG) was for the first time synthesized via the combination of controlled ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of epsilon-caprolactone, click chemistry, and the ROP of gamma-benzyl-l-glutamate N-carboxyanhydride (BLG-NCA). The linear hydroxyl-terminated PCL (PCL-OH) was synthesized by controlled ROP of epsilon-caprolactone and then transformed into clickable azide-terminated PCL (PCL-N(3)). The PCL-N(3) precursor was further click conjugated with propargyl focal point PAMAM-typed dendrons (i.e., Dm having 2(m) primary amine groups) to generate PCL-dendrons (PCL-Dm) using CuBr/PMDETA as catalyst in dimethylformamide solution at 35 degrees C. Finally, PCL-Dm was used as macroinitiator for the ROP of BLG-NCA monomer to produce the targeted PCL-Dm-PBLG block copolymers. Their molecular structures and physical properties were characterized in detail by FT-IR, NMR, matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, and wide-angle X-ray diffraction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that describes the synthesis of dendron-like polypeptide/linear PCL block copolymers with asymmetrical topology via the combination of ROP and click chemistry. Consequently, this provides a versatile strategy for the synthesis of biodegradable and biomimetic dendron-like polypeptide-based biohybrids.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Dendrimers / chemical synthesis*
  • Dendrimers / chemistry
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Molecular Structure
  • Peptides / chemical synthesis*
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Polyesters / chemical synthesis*
  • Polyesters / chemistry

Substances

  • Dendrimers
  • Peptides
  • Polyesters
  • polycaprolactone