Synthesis, characterization, and biological interaction of glyconanoparticles with controlled branching

Biomacromolecules. 2015 Jan 12;16(1):284-94. doi: 10.1021/bm501482q. Epub 2014 Dec 31.

Abstract

Branched amphiphilic copolymers were synthesized through the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) chain extension of a poly(methyl acrylate) macro-chain transfer agent using a protected galactose monomer and a polymerizable chain transfer agent branching unit. After galactose deprotection, the copolymers were self-assembled via nanoprecipitation. The resultant nanoparticles were analyzed for their size, shape, and biological interaction with a galactose binding lectin. Using light scattering, the nanoparticles were determined to be solid spheres. Nanoparticles containing branched glycoblocks bound significantly more lectin than those containing comparable linear blocks. By adjusting the molecular weight and branching of the copolymer, the size of the self-assembled nanoparticle and the saccharide density on its surface can be varied.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Galactose / chemistry*
  • Lectins / metabolism
  • Molecular Weight
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanoparticles / metabolism
  • Polymethacrylic Acids / chemistry*
  • Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Substances

  • Lectins
  • Polymethacrylic Acids
  • Galactose