Alpha-beta transition induced by C18-conjugation of polyalanine and its implication in aqueous solution behavior of poly(ethylene glycol)-polyalanine block copolymers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The aqueous solution behavior of thermosensitive PEG-PA block copolymers as well as secondary structure of PA is expected to significantly change through modification of the hydrophobic PA by long chain alkyl (C18) groups with different configurations.

Method

Oleoyl and stearoyl (C18) groups were conjugated to poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(L-alanine) (PEG-PA; EG₄₅A₁₆) diblock copolymers to compare their conjugation effect on nano-assemblies and corresponding aqueous solution behavior of the polymers.

Results

Due to the nature of a hydrophilic PEG block and a hydrophobic PA or C18-modified PA, PEG-PA, oleoyl group-conjugated PEG-PA (PEG-PAO), and stearoyl group-conjugated PEG-PA (PEG-PAS) block copolymers form micelles in water. Compared w

SUBMITTER: Park MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7745361 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature