Single-chain nanoparticles containing sequence-defined segments: using primary structure control to promote secondary and tertiary structures in synthetic protein mimics

Abstract

We investigated intra-chain multicomponent reactions to synthesize single-chain nanoparticles (SCNP) containing sequence-defined segments at each cross-link, creating materials featuring multiple protein-inspired elements.

Synthesis of Single‐Ring Nanoparticles Mimicking Natural Cyclotides by a Stepwise Folding‐Activation‐Collapse Process

“…Several strategies have been explored trying to mimic (at a fundamental level) the folding of a natural non‐cyclized polypeptide to its native, functional conformation as observed, for example, in enzymes . Among them, the formation of single‐chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) via intra‐chain cross‐linking at high dilution to promote chain collapse in synthetic precursor polymers has shown to be one such promising approach . It is worth noting that polymer folding from synthetic polymer precursors proceeds via the random linking of the reactive pendant units along the polymer precursor chain, and hence the product inevitably entails structural heterogeneity.…”

Phenanthroline—A Versatile Ligand for Advanced Functional Polymeric Materials

“…Applying P A , a coordination of at least two phen linkers to a metal center induces, under high dilution conditions, the formation of metal‐complexed SCNPs. SCNPs are sophisticated macromolecular architectures, each consisting of only one single polymer chain, which is collapsed into a smaller, more compact particle via an external trigger . The collapse is caused by the formation of intramolecular linkages, such as C−C bonds, hydrogen bonds or metal‐to‐ligand bond formation (refer to Scheme ) .…”

“…SCNPs are sophisticated macromolecular architectures,e ach consisting of only one single polymerc hain, which is collapsed into as maller,m ore compactp articlev ia an externalt rigger. [42][43][44][45][46] The collapse is caused by the formation of intramolecular linkages, such as CÀ Cb onds, hydrogen bonds or metal-to-ligand bond formation (refer to Scheme 3). [47] Application of these nanostructured systems in homogeneous catalysis has been recently investigated and revealed promising effects regardingc atalytic activity, product and substrate selectivity as wella sr ecyclability.…”

Macromolecular Superstructures: A Future Beyond Single Chain Nanoparticles

“…Further, these authors were able to incorporate a small level of secondary structure by creating an internal domain by introducing internal α‐hydrazino turns based on the sequential folding of hydrazone motifs. Although these internal α‐hydrazino turns were unable to affect change of the SCNP's tertiary structure, this still marks a critical step towards the design of the internal space of SCNPs . Significant progress within the realm of internally defined domains in SCNPs has also been made by the Meijer team.…”

“…Although these internal α-hydrazino turns were unable to affect change of the SCNP's tertiary structure, this still marks a critical step towards the design of the internal space of SCNPs. [56] Significant progress within the realm of internally defined domains in SCNPs has also been made by the Meijer team. A broad array of complex macromolecular architectures have been folded by the utilization of benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) motifs.…”