Alternating Terpolymers through Cyclopolymerization and Subsequent Orthogonal Functionalization.

A method for the synthesis of functionalized alternating copolymers by reversible deactivation radical polymerization was developed. Copolymerization by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer of hexenyl vinyl ether with a novel fluorinated divinyl monomer yields alternating cyclopolymers that can be chemoselectively modified by three distinct orthogonal functionalization reactions. Along the thiol-ene click reaction and amidation, a third functionalization was achieved via NHC-catalyzed transesterification or acylation resulting in a small library of ABC-type alternating terpolymers.

Functional-Polymer Library through Post-Polymerization Modification of Copolymers Having Oleate and Pentafluorophenyl Pendants.

Poly[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl oleate-co-pentafluorophenyl methacrylate] [P(MAEO-co-PFPMA)] random copolymers with oleate and pentafluorophenyl side-chain pendants were synthesized. These copolymers were utilized as dual-reactive polymeric scaffolds in a range of post-polymerization modification strategies involving thiol-ene and para-fluoro-thiol substitution, amidation, trans-esterification, and epoxidation followed by amidation. The 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl oleate (MAEO) functional handle in the copolymer is open to functionalization at its internal double bond through thermally initiated thiol-ene reaction, whereas the pentafluorophenyl moiety of the pentafluorophenyl methacrylate (PFPMA) unit undergoes para-fluoro-thiol substitution under basic conditions at room temperature. By means of these modification approaches, the P(MAEO-co-PFPMA) copolymer was orthogonally ligated with thiol compounds having, for example, alkyl, hydroxyl, and protected amine functional groups. Furthermore, different functional groups such as benzyl, allyl, methacrylate, pyrene, and water-soluble poly(ethylene glycol) were easily introduced into the side chain of the P(MAEO-co-PFPMA) copolymer by amidation, trans-esterification, and epoxidation followed by amidation. Functionalization of both the reactive pendants with the various organic substituents was confirmed by 1 H and 19 F NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and fluorescence spectroscopy.

An orthogonally protected CycloTriVeratrylene (CTV) as a highly pre-organized molecular scaffold for subsequent ligation of different cyclic peptides towards protein mimics.

The synthesis of a semi-orthogonally protected CycloTriVeratrilene (CTV) scaffold derivative as well as the sequential introduction of three different peptide loops onto this molecular scaffold via Cu(I)-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition towards a medium-sized protein mimic is described. This approach for the construction of medium-sized protein mimics is illustrated by the synthesis of a paratope mimic of the monoclonal antibody Infliximab (Remicade®) and provides access to a range of highly pre-organized molecular constructs bearing three different peptide segments. This approach may find wide applications for development of protein-protein interaction disruptors as well as synthetic vaccines.

Thioether-Bearing Hyperbranched Polyether Polyols with Methionine-Like Side-Chains: A Versatile Platform for Orthogonal Functionalization.

The synthesis of thioether-bearing hyperbranched polyether polyols based on an AB/AB2 type copolymerization (cyclic latent monomers) is introduced. The polymers are prepared by anionic ring-opening multibranching copolymerization of glycidol and 2-(methylthio)ethyl glycidyl ether (MTEGE), which is conveniently accessible in a single etherification step. Slow monomer addition provides control over molecular weights. Moderate dispersities (D = 1.48-1.85) are obtained, given the hyperbranched structure. In situ 1 H NMR copolymerization kinetics reveal reactivity ratios of rG = 3.7 and rMTEGE = 0.27. Using slow monomer addition, copolymer composition can be systematically varied, allowing for the adjustment of the hydroxyl/thioether ratio, the degree of branching (DB = 0.36-0.48), thermal properties, and cloud point temperatures in aqueous solution in the range of 29-75 °C. Thioether oxidation to sulfoxides enables to tailor the copolymers' solubility profile. Use of these copolymers as a versatile, multifunctional platform for orthogonal modification is highlighted. The methyl sulfide groups can be selectively alkoxylated, using propylene oxide, allyl glycidyl ether, or furfuryl glycidyl ether, resulting in functional hyperbranched polyelectrolytes. Reaction of the alcohol groups with benzyl isocyanate demonstrates successful orthogonal functionalization.

Alternating copolymerization by nitroxide-mediated polymerization and subsequent orthogonal functionalization.

A novel method for the preparation of functionalized alternating copolymers is presented. Nitroxide-mediated polymerization of hexafluoroisopropyl acrylate with 7-octenyl vinyl ether provides the corresponding alternating polymer, which can be chemically modified using two orthogonal polymer-analogous reactions. A thiol-ene click reaction followed by amidation provides dual-functionalized alternating copolymers. The potential of this method is illustrated by the preparation of a small library (15 examples) of functionalized alternating copolymers.

Versatile convergent synthesis of a three peptide loop containing protein mimic of whooping cough pertactin by successive Cu(I)-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition on an orthogonal alkyne functionalized TAC-scaffold.

Synthetic mimics of discontinuous epitopes may have a wide range of potential applications, including synthetic vaccines and inhibition of protein-protein interactions. However, synthetic access to these relatively complex peptide molecular constructs is limited. This paper describes a versatile convergent strategy for the construction of protein mimics presenting three different cyclic peptides. Using an orthogonal alkyne protection strategy, peptide loops were introduced successively onto a triazacyclophane scaffold via Cu(I)-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition. This method provides rapid access to protein mimics requiring different peptide segments for their interaction and activity.

Segregation versus colocalization: orthogonally functionalized binary micropatterned substrates regulate the molecular distribution in focal adhesions.

Orthogonally functionalized binary micropatterned substrates are produced using a novel protocol. The use of adequate peptido-mimetics enables an unprecedented segregation of purified αvß3 and α5ß1 integrins in adjacent microislands and evidences the preference of U2OS cells to colocalize such receptors. Moreover, this tendency can be altered by varying the geometry and composition of the micropatterns.