The targeted delivery and retention of therapeutic agents, like proteins, is critical for the development and success of advanced therapies. Aliphatic polycarbonates have proven useful towards this end by serving as highly functional, biodegradable hydrogels capable of degradation and localized protein release. Herein, the chemical composition of model aliphatic polycarbonates was optimized, with respect to charge ratio, to study the effect of modified charge on promoting increased protein cargo binding and complexation. A series of aliphatic polycarbonates with varied cationic and anionic side chain compositions were synthesized <i>via</i> organocatalytic ring-opening polymerizations followed by post polymerization modifications. Each polymer, with its own unique net charge, was screened for binding against model protein cargo, where complexation was assessed with scattering techniques. Small changes in polymer charge compositions resulted in drastically different complexation behaviors in physiologically relevant solutions. This work contributes to a stronger fundamental understanding of the impact of polyelectrolyte chemistry on protein complex formation, with implications for the broader drug delivery community focused on protein-based therapeutics.

Charged aliphatic polycarbonates for protein binding

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.