Saccharide-Containing Dynamic Proteoids

Biodynamers: applications of dynamic covalent chemistry in single-chain polymer nanoparticles

Dynamic Covalent Chemistry (DCC) enables the development of responsive molecular systems through the integration of reversible bonds at the molecular level. These systems are thermodynamically stable and capable of undergoing various molecular assemblies and transformations, allowing them to adapt to changes in environmental conditions like temperature and pH. Introducing DCC into the field of polymer science has led to the design of Single-Chain Nanoparticles (SCNPs), which are formed by self-folding via intramolecular crosslinking mechanisms. Defined by their adaptability, SCNPs mimic biopolymers in size and functionality. Biodynamers, a subclass of SCNPs, are specifically designed for their stimuli-responsive and tunable, dynamic properties. Mimicking complex biological structures, their scope of application includes target-specific and pH-responsive drug delivery, enhanced cellular uptake and endosomal escape. In this manuscript, we discuss the integration of DCC for the design of SCNPs, focusing particularly on the characteristics of biodynamers and their biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. By underlining their potential, we highlight the factors driving the growing interest in SCNPs, providing an overview of recent developments and future perspectives in this research field.

Dynamic Proteoids Generated From Dipeptide-Based Monomers

Dynamic proteoids are dynamic covalent analogues of proteins which are generated through the reversible polymerization of amino-acid- or peptide-derived monomers. The authors design and prepare a series of dynamic proteoids based on the reversible polycondensation of six types of dipeptide hydrazides bearing different categories of side chains. The polymerization and structures of biodynamers generated by ¹ H-NMR spectroscopy, light scattering and cryo-transmission-electron microscopy are studied. This study shows that the presence of aromatic rings in the side chains plays the most essential role in determining the extent of the polymerization and organization into resultant nanostructures through π-π-stacking interactions, hydroxyl groups have a less favorable influence via hydrogen bonds, whereas a high density of positive charge blocks the generation of biodynamers due to electrostatic repulsions. These findings set the stage for the rational design and synthesis of dynamic proteoids as novel biofunctional materials.

Saccharide-Containing Dynamic Proteoids

Dynamic proteoids are dynamic covalent analogues of proteins, which can be used as new adaptive biomaterials. We designed and synthesized a range of sugar-containing dynamic proteoid biodynamers based on the polycondensation of different types of amino acid and dipeptide hydrazides with a biological aliphatic dialdehyde and a nonbiological aromatic dialdehyde. By using the saccharide-based dialdehyde, the biocompatibility of biodynamers should be enhanced compared to previously reported biodynamers.