Multicomponent reactions have the ability to generate products of high complexity and diversity that can be further functionalized as bio-inspired polymeric scaffolds. Such synthetic scaffolds have been explored for their potential to mimic natural macromolecules as a gateway to sophisticated medical remedies. By using intra-chain isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions (ICMR), we were able to synthesize single-chain nanoparticles (SCNP) containing peptide and depsipeptide cross-links attached to a polystyrene backbone. These segments created a pathway to producing materials of multiple protein-inspired elements. Nanoparticle formation occurs via intramolecular cross-linking, providing well-defined structural elements incorporated within a highly disordered tertiary structure. The resulting nanostructures were characterized using <sup>1</sup>H NMR, DOSY NMR, and size-exclusion chromatography. Initially, the intended mode of SCNP formation was through covalent cross-linking, but secondary noncovalent interactions contributed more significantly to nanoparticle folding in relation to natural materials.

Synthesizing single-chain nanoparticles: Bio-inspired functionality <i>via</i> isocyanide-based multicomponent reaction chemistry

255th National Meeting (2018)

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Synthesizing single-chain nanoparticles: Bio-inspired functionality via isocyanide-based multicomponent reaction chemistry