There are several versions of selective filter systems in nature found in the extracellular matrix, the nuclear pore, mucus, and bacterial biofilms. These kinds of natural filters separate target molecules from unwanted molecules based on the strong binding interactions with a polymer matrix independent of their size. For example, nucleoporins (the proteins that fill the nuclear pore) allows free diffusion of small molecules less than 40 kDa through the nucleus membrane, whereas the large molecules greater than 40 kDa cannot penetrate the nucleus membrane due to size restriction. Interestingly, some molecules greater than 40 kDa can be translocated into the nucleus by specific binding interaction with nucleoporin. Although the mechanisms by which the natural system handles selective filtering have not been clarified yet, this finding suggests bio-inspired approaches to the design of selective sequestration and barrier materials based on peptide-functionalized synthetic polymers.<br/>In this study, we design versatile modification of star-shaped PEG polymer with different affinity of peptides attaching end of PEG arms. PEG is used for mesh polymer as a size barrier, and peptides are conjugated for specific interaction for translocating target molecules. By changing degree of crosslinks, pore size is systematically controlled to minimize non-specific binding. Different dissociation constants (Kd) of the peptides are designed for the various strength of binding affinity. This peptide conjugated PEG gel system showed specific binding/diffusion of target monoclonal antibody, so that it will be applicable for monoclonal antibody separation from polyclonal antibody mixture. Thus, the nucleoporin-mimicked interactive filtering system will provide a solid basis of higher degrees of selectivity especially for challenging purification of biomolecules, such as monoclonal antibody screening or extracorporeal medical therapies.

Engineering nucleoporin-mimetic polymer hydrogels for selective filtration of antibodies

254th National Meeting (2017)

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