Homogeneous and heterogeneous polymer analogous derivatization reactions are powerful means of increasing the property range and applicability of polysaccharides and synthetic polymers. Chirality, regioselectivity, solubility and chemical stability govern the reactivity and final properties of both polymer classes. Understanding and influencing the reactivity would therefore allow for a tuning of the structure of resulting polymers. In this work derivatization of mentioned polymers with amino-acids or peptides was used to produce bioactive materials of interest. The reactivity of natural polysaccharides was compared with those of polyvinyl alcohols (PVA) in order to increase understanding and estimate the influence of the polymer backbone on the outcome of the reaction and the final properties. Aminoacids and peptides were bound to the polymers via homogeneous esterification reactions in organic solvents employing proper activating reagents. The necessity of protecting groups was evaluated and protocols for their removal were established. Detailed analysis of the degree of substitution (DS) was performed by charge titration, NMR and IR-spectroscopy. Selected obtained materials were evaluated with respect to their bioactivity using cell viability tests. Common material forming techniques for polymers (nano-precipitation, thin film preparation) were employed to obtain various shapes suitable to be used as biomaterials for theranostics or regenerative medicine.

Polymer analogous reactions comparing polysaccharides with polyvinylalcohols

255th National Meeting (2018)

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