Proteins are sequence specific and geometrically defined macromolecules representing the central framework of all biological processes in Nature. Their precise physical architecture and consequent biochemical functions are unique and unrivalled in the synthetic world, providing an impetus for the incorporation of proteins into the development of contemporary hybrid materials. Unlike conventional polymers, their repertoire of chemical functionalities at discrete positions facilitates the grafting of designated synthetic moieties to achieve a nanoscale construct with exceptional macromolecular definition. Through these synthetic appendages, protein-polymer biohybrids can be chemically programmed to possess new and improved physico-chemical properties while simultaneously exhibiting unique biological behavior.            We present our recent progress in the exquisite interplay of responsive supramolecular chemistry centering on proteins-polymer conjugates in their two major structural forms, native and denatured, with each concept exploring different strategies for the construction of precision nanotherapeutics.   1) Ng DY, Arzt M, Wu Y, Kuan SL, Lamla M, Weil T. Constructing hybrid protein zymogens through protective dendritic assembly. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2014; 53(1):324-8. 2) Kuan SL, Ng DY, Wu Y, F�rtsch C, Barth H, Doroshenko M, Koynov K, Meier C, Weil T. pH responsive Janus-like supramolecular fusion proteins for functional protein delivery. J Am Chem Soc. 2013;135(46):17254-7. 3) Yolamanova M et al. Peptide nanofibrils boost retroviral gene transfer and provide a rapid means for concentrating viruses. Nat Nanotechnol. 2013; 8(2):130-6.

Programming supramolecular biohybrid polymers for biomedical applications

248th National Meeting (2014)

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