Biomaterials based on noncovalent interactions of small molecules

Recognition of a Flexible Protein Loop in Taspase 1 by Multivalent Supramolecular Tweezers

“…Here, synergistic combinations of several cooperative binding events allow one to compensate for weak individual noncovalent interactions . Multivalent binding is thus significantly more resilient than individual bonds between the equivalent number of monovalent ligands and can drastically enhance the binding affinity between interacting species. , Unlike covalent bonds, multivalent noncovalent interactions are also fully reversible through the sequential dissociation of individual bonds, rendering the respective physiological interactions highly dynamic . Consequently, multivalency plays a key role in many biological processes involving interactions between biomacromolecules, between cells, or between cells and bacteria or viruses, including Sars-CoV-2. − Likewise, lectins, as carbohydrate-binding proteins that mediate attachment and binding of the latter, have been successfully targeted by multivalent oligosaccharides or dendrimeric models thereof. ,,− However, all these proteins possess well-defined tightly folded surfaces; addressing flexibles loops or conformationally ill-defined protein substructures and dynamic domains poses a much greater challenge.…”

“…31,32 Unlike covalent bonds, multivalent noncovalent interactions are also fully reversible through the sequential dissociation of individual bonds, rendering the respective physiological interactions highly dynamic. 33 Consequently, multivalency plays a key role in many biological processes involving interactions between biomacromolecules, between cells, or between cells and bacteria or viruses, including Sars-CoV-2. 34−36 Likewise, lectins, as carbohydrate-binding proteins that mediate attach-ment and binding of the latter, have been successfully targeted by multivalent oligosaccharides or dendrimeric models thereof.…”