We describe a strategy for rendering peptide-based polymeric materials and nanostructures responsive, or resistant to proteolysis by formulating them as high-density brush polymers and particles assembled from peptide-polymer amphiphiles (PPAs). The utility of this approach is demonstrated by polymerizing well-established cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) or substrates for disease-associated proteases, and showing that the resulting materials exhibit unusual properties both in tissues in vivo, and within cellular assays in vitro. We contend that resistant materials offer a plausible method of preparing peptides for <i>in vivo</i> use, where rapid digestion by proteases has traditionally restricted their utility. Similarly, enzyme-responsive materials open doors for the directed assembly of structures within tissues. This second application will be described in terms of their potential in drug delivery, and in guided surgery.

Peptide-polymer amphiphiles as programmable synthons for biologically-responsive nanomaterials

249th National Meeting (2015)

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