Cysteine-containing polyisocyanides as versatile nanoplatforms for chromophoric and bioscaffolding

Chemistry. 2010 Jun 1;16(21):6176-86. doi: 10.1002/chem.200903502.

Abstract

The straightforward syntheses of polyisocyanides containing the alanine-cysteine motif in their side chains have been achieved. Detailed characterization of the polymers revealed a well-defined and highly stable helical conformation of the polyimine backbone responsible for the formation of rodlike structures of over one hundred nanometers. The 4(1) helix is further stabilized by beta-sheet-like interactions between the peptide arms. As a result, the cysteine sulfur atoms are regularly aligned along the polymer axis, which provides a unique platform for the scaffolding of various entities by using versatile click-chemistry postmodification approaches. For instance, pyrene derivatives were introduced through thio-specific reactions involving either maleimide, iodoacetamide, or thioester groups, leading to arrays of stacked chromophores with excimer-like emission. A water-soluble cysteine-rich polyisocyanide was successfully biotinylated and coupled to streptavidin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Circular Dichroism
  • Cyanides / chemistry*
  • Cysteine / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology*
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet

Substances

  • Cyanides
  • Polymers
  • Cysteine