Modular Genetic Code Expansion Platform and PISA Yield Well-Defined Protein-Polymer Assemblies.

We present a modular platform from which biohybrid protein-polymer nanostructures can be generated in a straightforward and facile manner. Specifically, an aqueous polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) AB block copolymerization system was derived from a mutant superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) as the solvophilic, stabilizing A block. By genetically encoding sfGFP with an isobutyryl bromide functionality, we grafted a quintessential atom-transfer radical polymerization initiation site with hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) to form the solvophobic B block. Monitoring nanostructure formation using dynamic light scattering, gel permeation chromatography, and transmission electron microscopy revealed uniform micellar morphologies. The radii of the micelles increased with increasing HPMA block length, resulting in nanoparticle sizes ranging from 15 to 48 nm. Solvophilic stabilization afforded by the encoded sfGFP makes this an ideal PISA initiator, and we posit this platform has potential for generating complex biohybrid nanostructures for other protein-polymer systems.

A Teaching Experiment to Elucidate a Cation-π Effect in an Alkyne Cycloaddition Reaction and Illustrate Hypothesis Driven Design of Experiments.

An organic chemistry experiment is described that is based on recent research to elucidate a novel cation-π interaction between tetraalkammonium cations and propargyl hydrazines. This non-bonded interaction is a key component of the mechanism of ammonium-catalyzed intramolecular cycloaddition of nitrogen to the terminal carbon of a C-C triple bond of the propargyl substrate. In this teaching experiment, reactions and control experiments are employed to demonstrate the testing of two alternative mechanistic hypotheses. Specifically, cyclization reactions are performed with a soluble base (sodium phenoxide) with and without tetrabutylammonium bromide under homogeneous conditions. Students observe that the added ammonium salt accelerates the reaction. They are then encouraged to develop a testable hypothesis for the role of the ammonium salt in the cyclization mechanism: typical phase transfer or other. IR spectroscopy is then used to directly observe a dose dependent shift of the alkyne stretching mode due to a cation-π interaction. In this experiment, undergraduate "researchers" were able to practice the scientific method on a contemporary system and see how data are generated and interpreted to adjudicate between rival hypotheses in a way that emulates authentic and current research in a lab setting. This experimental design was tested on students enrolled in the introductory undergraduate Organic Chemistry Lab.