Using transition metal catalysis chemistry for the polymerization of alpha-aminoacid-N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs), we have prepared amphiphilic diblock copolypeptides containing a variety of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic chains. The hydrophilic chains are composed of either charged or neutral residues containing a variety of functionality, and the hydrophobic chains are composed of natural non-polar amino acid residues such as leucine, valine and phenylalanine. By employing different amino acids, the chain conformations of individual domains can be altered. We report on the biomimetic self-assembly of block copolymers that form unilamellar vesicles with functional polypeptide coronas in aqueous solution. The vesicles are being explored for drug delivery applications, and we will describe the synthesis and properties of these materials. We will also discuss how use of functional polypeptide residues can be used to control interactions between the vesicle assemblies and the cells and tissues relevant for therapeutic delivery applications.

Preparation of functional and glycosylated polypeptide nanocarriers

241st National Meeting (2011)

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