Glycopolymers in two ‘clicks’
Scientists in the UK prepare polymers containing two different clickable groups that can be functionalised using two click reactions.
Sugars play an important role in biological recognition, in processes such as fertilisation and viral infection. The interaction between sugars and proteins can be very strong, but can be further increased by multiple interactions similar to VELCRO (a trademark of Velcro Industries B.V.) fastenings. Polymers are therefore ideally suited to provide molecules that contain multiple sugar units.
Dave Haddleton and colleagues at Warwick University have prepared polymers containing sugars and free thiols (found in proteins and peptides) using a simple yet versatile approach involving two click reactions.
Haddleton and his team aim to use simple chemistry to produce biologically useful polymers for use in new and improved therapeutics. With the increase in peptide based therapeutics, efficient ways for these drugs to be delivered are of great importance so they can be utilised effectively.
Their approach could be used to attach more complex sugars with useful properties to help combat viral infections. ‘This work shows viable routes to new therapeutics and diagnostics,’ says Haddleton.
Haddleton hopes to explore the end functional groups of the polymers for reactions with proteins and peptides as possible new bioconjugation routes. He believes the next step is to collaborate with clinical scientists to provide real and necessary targets to test the approach.
Original article: Haddleton et. al.; "Glycopolymers via catalytic chain transfer polymerisation (CCTP), Huisgens cycloaddition and thiol-ene double click reactions"; Chem. Commun. 2009
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