By combining the self-assembly properties of block copolymers together with the richness of function-bearing peptides, protein or saccharide domains, we aim at creating functional nanosystems integrating the advantages of both materials. We developed synthetic strategies for the design of polypeptides and polysaccharide-polypeptide biohybrids with controlled placement of sugar functionality. Our latest development involves the production of protein-like polymers by protein engineering. Recombinant DNA techniques allow fine-tuning of amino acids positioning within the final polymer product, thereby enabling the incorporation of specific biological properties (including degradation), in addition to imparting intrinsic biocompatibility. We especially developed Elastin-Like Polypeptides (ELPs) with particular functions that allow bio-orthogonal coupling strategies for post-modifications with a large variety of functional groups. Finally, the combination of ELPs and polypeptides and polypeptoids into amphiphilic and stimuli-responsive copolymer will be presented together with their self-assembly behavior.

Design and self-assembly of polypeptide and elastin-like amphiphilic copolymers

254th National Meeting (2017)

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