Hybrid Block Copolymers Constituted by Peptides and Synthetic Polymers: An Overview of Synthetic Approaches, Supramolecular Behavior and Potential Applications

Abstract

Hybrid block copolymers based on peptides and synthetic polymers, displaying different types of topologies, offer new possibilities to integrate the properties and functions of biomacromolecules and synthetic polymers in a single hybrid material. This review provides a current status report of the field concerning peptide-synthetic polymer hybrids. The first section is focused on the different synthetic approaches that have been used within the last three years for the preparation of peptide-polymer hybrids having different topologies. In the last two sections, the attractive properties, displayed in solution or in the solid state, together with the potential applications of this type of macromolecules or supramolecular systems are highlighted.

Peptide-Based Polymer Therapeutics

“…For instance, poly(glutamic acid) (PGA), poly(lysine) (PLL) or poly(aspartate) have emerged as perfect candidates as they present the required carrier features, namely, biodegradability, high drug loading capacity and well-defined structures. These polymers have been catalogued as a novel family of materials due to their physical, chemical and biological properties derived from their controlled sequences and composition [26][27][28][29][30]. Polypeptides are able to adopt stable conformations and undergo hierarchical assembles to form highly organised supramolecular structures at the nanoscale.…”

“…Polypeptides are able to adopt stable conformations and undergo hierarchical assembles to form highly organised supramolecular structures at the nanoscale. Their ordered sequences end up in a secondary (e.g., helices, sheets or turns) or even tertiary or quaternary structure [29], responsible for a defined functionality of the final material.…”

“…Modern synthetic approaches have already yielded novel and well-defined polymer structures which are beyond nature's possibilities, providing multivalent surfaces for the immobilisation of drugs and/or tracing agents, higher loading capacity and the possibility to exploit multiple pathways in cellular trafficking due to differences in conformation and sizes. Additionally, peptide-based synthetic polymer hybrid constructions have opened up novel opportunities [29]. On the other hand and as the main drawback, some specific amino acid sequences or homopeptides can trigger disease cascades or their accumulation as aggregates may result in disease promotion, i.e., neurodegeneration disorders.…”

Hybrid Vesicular Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapeutics

“…The incorporation of peptide blocks into synthetic polymers has been the subject of great interest in recent years. The inherent capability of peptides to hierarchically self‐assemble into 3D nanoscale structures has made them useful building blocks for designing supramolecular polymer assemblies . α‐helix and β‐sheet are the major secondary structures that are formed by intramolecular and intermolecular interactions, respectively .…”

Characteristics of protein-based biopolymer and its application

“…. The different reinforcement approaches that are used for the development of protein based polymer can categorize in several ways that are chemical agents and radiation treatment , chemical block copolymerization , and preparation of blends . Using these approaches it is possible to create a biodegradable and high performance polymer.…”