Well-defined DNA-mimic brush polymers bearing adenine moieties: synthesis, layer-by-layer self-assembly, and biocompatibility

Biomacromolecules. 2011 Jul 11;12(7):2822-33. doi: 10.1021/bm200572t. Epub 2011 May 27.

Abstract

Two new DNA-mimicking brush polymers were synthesized: poly[oxy(11-(3-(9-adeninyl)propionato)-undecanyl-1-thiomethyl)ethylene] (PECH-AP) and poly[oxy(11-(5-(9-adenylethyloxy)-4-oxopentanoato)undecanyl-1-thiomethyl)ethylene] (PECH-AS). These polymers were found to be thermally stable up to 220 °C and could be applied easily by conventional coating processes to produce good quality films. Interestingly, both brush polymers formed molecular multibilayer structures to provide an adenine-rich surface. Despite the structural similarities, PECH-AS surprisingly exhibited higher hydrophilicity and better water sorption properties than PECH-AP. These differences were attributed to the chemical structures in the bristles of the polymers. The adenine-rich surfaces of the polymer films demonstrated selective protein adsorption, suppressed bacterial adherence, facilitated HEp-2 cell adhesion, and exhibited good biocompatibility in mice. However, the high hydrophilicity and good water sorption characteristics of the PECH-AS film suggest that this brush polymer is better suited to applications requiring good biocompatibility and reduced chance of bacterial infection compared with the PECH-AP film.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenine / chemistry*
  • Adsorption
  • Animals
  • Bacteria / chemistry
  • Bacterial Adhesion
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemical synthesis
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Materials Testing
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Molecular Structure
  • Particle Size
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Proteins / chemistry
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Polymers
  • Proteins
  • DNA
  • Adenine