Mucin-Inspired Filamentous Sulfated Copolymers Effectively Inhibit Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (hRSV) Infectivity.

ABSTRACT: Virucidal compounds capable of binding to and disrupting viruses represent a promising avenue for antiviral applications. In this study, the development of high molecular weight (≈300 kDa) dendronized polyglycerol-based mucin-inspired amphiphilic statistical copolymers (MIACPs) is reported using the RAFT polymerization technique. These copolymers comprise ≈30% repeat units containing aliphatic C11 carbon chains with terminal carboxylate (MIACP-1) and alkyl (MIACP-2) functionalities, while the remaining ≈70% of the repeat units consist of dendronized polyglycerol sulfates. Structural characterization using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) reveals that MIACPs form single-chain filamentous structures, similar to natural porcine gastric mucin (PGM).

SUBMITTER: Bej R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12904038 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature