pH-responsive bioactive glycopolypeptides with enhanced helicity and solubility in aqueous solution

J Am Chem Soc. 2012 Nov 14;134(45):18542-5. doi: 10.1021/ja308772d. Epub 2012 Oct 31.

Abstract

Copolypeptides of L-glutamate and glucosylated L-/DL-allyl- or DL-propargylglycine were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization and thiol-ene/yne photochemistry in aqueous solution, allowing the mild introduction of sugar units (here, glucose) in the final step. The glucosylated and non-glucosylated samples adopt a random-coil conformation in neutral and basic media and an α-helical conformation in acidic media, the helical content depending on the number and configuration of allyl-/propargylglycine units. The glucocopolypeptides unveil enhanced helical stability and solubility down to pH 3.5. Turbidity assays proved the selective binding of the polymers to the plant lectin concanavalin A.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Glycopeptides / chemical synthesis
  • Glycopeptides / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Molecular Structure
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Solubility
  • Solutions
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Glycopeptides
  • Polymers
  • Solutions
  • Water