Stimuli-responsive membrane activity of cyclic-peptide-polymer conjugates.

ABSTRACT: Cyclic peptide nanotubes (CPNT) consisting of an even number of amino acids with an alternating chirality are highly interesting materials in a biomedical context due to their ability to insert themselves into cellular membranes. However, unwanted unspecific interactions between CPNT and non-targeted cell membranes are a major drawback. To solve this issue we have synthetized a series of CPNT-polymer conjugates with a cleavable covalent connection between macromolecule and peptide. As a result, the polymers form a stabilizing and shielding shell around the nanotube that can be cleaved on demand to generate membrane active CPNT from non-active conjugates. This approach enables us to control the stacking and lateral aggregation of these materials, thus leading to stimuli responsive membrane

SUBMITTER: Hartlieb M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6544120 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature