Article
Polymer Science
Kevin M. Burridge, Ryan F. Parnell, Madison M. Kearns, Richard C. Page, Dominik Konkolewicz
Summary: Protein-polymer bioconjugates offer a way to enhance the efficiency and stability of enzymes, with recent focus on synthesizing multifunctional conjugates.
The synthesis of bifunctional conjugates poses challenges, as attempts to selectively modify multiple sites on the protein surface can lead to decreased performance during polymerization.
The study demonstrates that specific polymerization conditions can preserve the native fold of ubiquitin and enable the production of hetero-arm star protein-polymer bioconjugates.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Corey. A. Stevens, Kuljeet Kaur, Harm-Anton Klok
Summary: Protein-polymer conjugates combine the stability of polymers with the diversity, specificity, and functionality of biomolecules, resulting in hybrid materials with unique properties for drug delivery applications. Engineering amphiphilicity into these bioconjugate materials can lead to phase separation and assembly of high-order structures, with multiple levels of organization and emergence of new properties at each level influenced by lower levels.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sushil Lathwal, Saigopalakrishna S. Yerneni, Susanne Boye, Upenyu L. Muza, Shuntaro Takahashi, Naoki Sugimoto, Albena Lederer, Subha R. Das, Phil G. Campbell, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski
Summary: The controlled and reversible functionalization of exosome surfaces with well-defined polymers can modulate the physiological and pharmacokinetic properties of exosomes, enhancing their potential clinical applications. By using modern ATRP methods, exosome polymer hybrids (EPHs) exhibit improved stability and blood circulation time, without altering tissue distribution profiles, making them promising drug delivery systems for advanced therapeutics.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiawei Sun, Jianwen Guo, Longshuai Zhang, Yuanzi Sun, Xuliang Deng, Weiping Gao
Summary: In this study, a method for in situ growth of glucose- and oligo(ethylene glycol)-containing copolymers at the C-terminal site of interferon alpha was reported to generate C-terminal interferon alpha-glycopolymer conjugates with tunable glucose contents. The in vitro activity and in vivo circulatory half-life of these conjugates were found to decrease with the increase of glucose content due to complement activation by the glycopolymers. Cancer cell endocytosis of the conjugates was observed to maximize at a critical glucose content due to the tradeoff between complement activation and glucose transporter recognition by the glycopolymers. The conjugates with optimized glucose contents showed improved cancer-targeting ability, enhanced anticancer immunity and efficacy, and increased animal survival rate in mice bearing ovarian cancers with overexpressed glucose transporter 1.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lars B. Veldscholte, Sissi de Beer
Summary: This study presents a simple method for preparing thick poly(3-sulfopropyl methacrylate) brushes by conducting the reaction in a fluid film. The method does not require deoxygenation of the reaction solution and results in minimal wasted reagents. It is particularly suitable for large substrates.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
C. Pelosi, E. Tombari, F. R. Wurm, M. R. Tine
Summary: This study investigates the dynamics of protein-polymer conjugates and highlights the importance of covalent bonds in defining the system dynamics. The conjugates exhibit different behavior compared to physical mixtures, indicating the establishment of interactions between the protein and polymer chains.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Marina Kovaliov, Borui Zhang, Dominik Konkolewicz, Katarzyna Szczesniak, Stefa Jurga, Saadyah Averick
Summary: The study found that grafting polymers from the surface of laccase can improve its catalytic activity in various conditions, with the highest enhancement observed when grafting high molecular weight polymers.
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Jianhao He, Wenjie Zhang, Chunna Lv, Ruyi Chen, Linan Wang, Yudong Wang, Xiangcheng Pan
Summary: Thermo and pH-responsive star-like block copolymers were synthesized via photoinduced atom transfer radical polymerization with controlled molecular weight and low dispersity using a low ppm level of CuBr2 /tris[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine (Me6TREN) complex. The polymers exhibit both lower critical solution temperature (LCST) transition in water and upper critical solution temperature (UCST) transition in ethanol, with UCST decreasing and LCST increasing based on the composition of side chains and pH in water. These polymers have great biocompatibility, mild phase transition temperature, and adjustable LCST with pH in organisms, making them potential candidates for pH-responsive and thermosensitive applications and as nanoreactors for inorganic nanoparticles growth.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ankit Javia, Jigar Vanza, Denish Bardoliwala, Saikat Ghosh, Late Ambikanandan Misra, Mrunali Patel, Hetal Thakkar
Summary: This review highlights the considerations in designing therapeutically effective polymer-drug conjugates (PDCs) and discusses the potential synthetic strategies and recent advancements in different types of PDCs. It also addresses the current obstacles and regulatory hurdles hindering the clinical translation of PDCs into effective therapeutic regimens for disease conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yushi Liu, Fang Ba, Wan-Qiu Liu, Changzhu Wu, Jian Li
Summary: Protein-polymer conjugates are designed and fabricated as generic materials that can be postfunctionalized for tunable catalysis. Using genetically encoded click chemistry, the conjugates can protect the function/activity of ligated moieties and enable efficient catalytic reactions. The hydrogel-based catalytic materials allow for easy recovery and reuse.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Emily Holz, Martine Darwish, Devin B. Tesar, Whitney Shatz-Binder
Summary: In the last few decades, the complexity of therapeutic molecular entities has been continuously evolving in the pharmaceutical industry to meet the needs of novel diseases and delivery challenges. One area of interest is the development of chemically enhanced peptide and protein therapeutics. This review evaluates the development landscape of protein-based chemical conjugates, focusing on considerations such as pharmacokinetics modulation, safety, and entry into difficult targets, as well as bioavailability. The breadth of novel peptide- or protein-based therapeutics supports the pursuit of more complex therapeutic strategies.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Wenchao Huang, Longshuai Zhang, Jiawei Sun, Yuanzi Sun, Like Gong, Sisi Ge, Xunbin Wei, Weiping Gao
Summary: This study presents intelligent nanoworms with dual-acid-sensitive properties, which can penetrate and release drugs in tumor cells, effectively suppressing tumor growth with better efficacy compared to nanospheres and doxorubicin, and without observed side effects in a mouse model.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yonggang Ma, Xin Chen, Dehui Han, Zhe Zhao, Wenting Lu
Summary: A CO2-responsive composite of MWCNT-PDA-PDMAEMA has been prepared, which can undergo a reaction under CO2 action, leading to the separation of nanotube bundles. This process can be reversed by removing CO2.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ningning Zhang, Changzhu Wu
Summary: This study proposes an advanced artificial enzyme by polymeric modularity as an efficient aldolase mimic for aqueous asymmetric aldol reactions. The tailored conjugates exhibited remarkable catalytic performance and excellent selectivity. Additionally, the artificial enzyme showed high tolerance and reusability.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Zhicheng Jin, Narjes Dridi, Goutam Palui, Valle Palomo, Jesse V. Jokerst, Phillip E. Dawson, Qing-Xiang Amy Sang, Hedi Mattoussi
Summary: We describe the assembly and characterization of quantum dot (QD)-dye conjugates using a specifically designed peptide bridge to recognize and interact with a breast cancer biomarker. These conjugates serve as optically addressable probes, detecting the activity of the biomarker through Fo''rster resonance energy transfer. The conjugates demonstrate high sensitivity to enzymatic proteolysis and show potential for in vivo analysis.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Lisa Ehrlich, Doris Pospiech, Upenyu L. Muza, Albena Lederer, Julia Muche, Dieter Fischer, Petra Uhlmann, Felix Tzschoeckell, Simon Muench, Martin D. Hager, Ulrich S. Schubert
Summary: This study investigates solid electrolytes based on ionic liquid polymers that offer stable ion conduction. Ionic liquid monomers are converted into linear homopolymers or polymer networks by thermally initiated radical polymerization or UV-initiated copolymerization. The materials are confirmed through NMR or Raman spectroscopy, and their ionic conductivities are measured. The results show that these materials have potential as electrolytes for solid-state batteries.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Max Palinske, Upenyu L. Muza, Silvia Moreno, Dietmar Appelhans, Susanne Boye, Ralf Schweins, Albena Lederer
Summary: This study successfully investigated pH-responsive and cross-linked polymeric vesicles and analyzed and evaluated the localization and loading efficiency of enzymes, as well as the size, membrane structure, and thickness of the polymersomes using various techniques. These analyses provide a better understanding of the diffusion processes in biological membranes and the effects of post-loading.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Polymer Science
Hatice Mutlu, Albena Lederer
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Svetlana Tretsiakova-McNally, Aloshy Baby, Paul Joseph, Doris Pospiech, Eileen Schierz, Albena Lederer, Malavika Arun, Gaelle Fontaine
Summary: The condensed-phase and gaseous-phase activities of fire-retardant moieties in modified styrene polymers were evaluated for the first time. The thermal decomposition of the modified polymers produced volatile products such as benzaldehyde, acetophenone, and styrene. Reactive modification of polystyrene with phosphorus and nitrogen monomers resulted in a predominantly condensed-phase mode of action.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Riti Biswas, Ed Belouski, Kevin Graham, Michelle Hortter, Marissa Mock, Christine E. Tinberg, Alan J. Russell
Summary: We are transitioning into an era where therapeutic proteins are constructed using building block-like strategies, but there is no standardized protocol for discussing these formats. Existing nomenclatures sacrifice readability for precision, causing confusion and complexity in drug discovery. To overcome this challenge, VERITAS is introduced as a flexible classification and naming scheme for antibodies, adaptable to various therapeutic formats. VERITAS names are user-friendly and directly reflect the structure of a format, making them valuable in scientific discourse and drug development algorithms.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoying Xu, Silvia Moreno, Susanne Boye, Peng Wang, Brigitte Voit, Dietmar Appelhans
Summary: Defects in cellular protein/enzyme encoding or even in organelles can cause various diseases. The study proposes the fabrication of pH-responsive and crosslinked trypsin-loaded polymersomes as protecting enzyme carriers mimicking artificial organelles. These carriers allow enzymatic degradation of biomolecules to simulate lysosomal function and macrophage functions in different pH environments.
Article
Polymer Science
Fabian Mehner, Till Meissner, Alissa Seifert, Albena Lederer, Jens Gaitzsch
Summary: Radical ring-opening polymerization of cyclic ketene acetals enables the synthesis of functional and biodegradable polyesters. This study investigated the kinetic behavior of 2-methylene-1,3,6-trioxocan in the polymerization process. The reaction conditions, including monomer concentration, reaction temperature, and energy input, were systematically varied to investigate their influence on polymerization rate and properties such as density of branches and molar mass. The findings provide valuable insights into the kinetics of MTC and pave the way for developing hydrophilic polyesters with adjustable properties.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Upenyu L. Muza, Lisa Ehrlich, Doris Pospiech, Albena Lederer
Summary: In this study, a novel photoreduction-based protocol was developed to functionalize imidazolium-containingionic polymers with gold nanoparticles. The characterization and analysis of the modified nanostructures were achieved using three-dimensional correlation thermal field-flow fractionation. The results demonstrated the suitability of this method for monitoring the thermostability and dynamics of metallic nanostructures.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Y. -h. Peng, S. K. Hsiao, K. Gupta, A. Ruland, G. K. Auernhammer, M. F. Maitz, S. Boye, J. Lattner, C. Gerri, A. Honigmann, C. Werner, E. Krieg
Summary: This study reports on a fully synthetic hydrogel based on DNA that can be used for three-dimensional cell and organoid cultures. The hydrogel self-assembles to form a dynamic DNA-crosslinked matrix, allowing control over its viscoelasticity, thermodynamic and kinetic parameters. It can tune stress-relaxation times, recapitulating mechanical characteristics of living tissues.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Upenyu L. Muza, Chelsea D. Williams, Albena Lederer
Summary: For the first time, the amphiphilic block copolymer polystyrene-polyethylene oxide (PS-PEO) has been shown to transform into thermo-responsive single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs). The formation of SCNP-shells, stabilized by PS shells, is influenced by solvophobic interactions at different temperatures. Below a critical temperature threshold of 20°C, the SCNP-shell nanostructures collate into larger multiple-chain nanoparticles (MCNPs) with various morphologies. In-depth characterization of the conformational evolutions from SCNP-shell nanostructures to MCNPs is conducted regarding size, shape, morphology, molar mass, and their respective distributions.
Article
Polymer Science
Zahn Stanvliet, Yiyi Deng, Dietmar Appelhans, Silvia Moreno, Susanne Boye, Jens Gaitzsch, Albena Lederer
Summary: This study investigates the temperature sensitivity of polymeric nanoparticles based on tertiary amine methacrylate block copolymers. The research shows that these nanoparticles can undergo a reversible morphological transformation in response to changes in pH and temperature. The findings also demonstrate the ability to lock their intermediate self-assembly structures through cross-linking and validate the morphology transition using analytical tools, which opens up new possibilities for responsive nanocarriers.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanni B. Perin, Silvia Moreno, Yang Zhou, Markus Guenther, Susanne Boye, Brigitte Voit, Maria I. Felisberti, Dietmar Appelhans
Summary: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in designing synthetic protocells that can mimic micrometric and multicompartmental structures and perform highly complex physicochemical and biological processes. This study presents a hierarchical construction of membraneless and multicompartmentalized protocells that can carry out metabolism-like enzymatic cascade reactions through signal transduction.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shamila Firdaus, Susanne Boye, Andreas Janke, Peter Friedel, Anna Janaszewska, Dietmar Appelhans, Martin Mueller, Barbara Klajnert-Maculewicz, Brigitte Voit, Albena Lederer
Summary: This study evaluates the effect of dendritic topology on the antiamyloidogenic activity of macromolecules. The compactness, position of surface units, and size of glyco-architectures are found to influence their activity against amyloid plaques. The study introduces asymmetric flow field flow fractionation as a suitable method for quantification of complex aggregates. The second-generation glyco-pseudodendrimer shows the best antiamyloidogenic properties, confirming the importance of macromolecular conformation and optimal functional group distribution.
