Enhancing protein stability is a significant challenge for many applications, ranging from protein therapeutics to <i>in vitro</i> enzymatic catalysis in aqueous and non-aqueous environments. Polymeric micelles have been used as a strategy for protein stabilization. In this regard, polyethylene glycol (PEG) functionalized polymers have been frequently employed in their design, owing to PEG’s biocompatibility, water-solubility, and chemically robust nature. We have designed propargyl-substituted polymers as synthons for post-polymerization modification using Cu-catalyzed, “click” reactions of organic azides with the alkynes on the polymer to tailor the properties of the modified polymers. When hydrophobic and hydrophilic azides are combined in the click reaction, the amphiphilic polymers that result exist as unimolecular species over a range of concentrations. Their hydrodynamic radii vary according to the lengths of the backbone and side-chains, and some polymer properties are reminiscent of traditional micelles. This work will demonstrate the use of a series of “click” modified amphiphilic nanomicelles in stabilizing proteins in both aqueous and non-aqueous environments.

Protein stabilization via Poly(Ethylene Glycol)-based (PEG) amphiphilic nanomicelles

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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