Polymers with pendant trehaloses were synthesized by controlled radical polymerization. Styrene and methacrylate monomers functionalized with the disaccharide were synthesized in one to two steps. The monomers were then polymerized with either reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization or atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). In this manner polymers were prepared with narrow molecular weight distributions and if so desired, functional end groups (Figure 1). The resulting polymers were found to be highly hydrated and soluble in water. The trehalose glycopolymers were then utilized to stabilize proteins to a wide variety of stressors such as temperature. The polymers could be added or covalently attached to the proteins. It was determined that the stabilization imparted by the polymer was a unique result of a combination of the osmolyte and nonionic surfactant character of the molecule. The synthesis and application of these polymers will be discussed.

Trehalose glycopolymers by controlled radical polymerization for application in protein stabilization

248th National Meeting (2014)

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