The enormous potential of polymeric nanomedicines arises from the possibility to combine desirable material properties with compartmentalized functionalities in one distinct nanoparticle. The price to pay for this multi-functionality is the intrinsic complexity of these systems. This synthetic complexity, however, is a major drawback for clinical translation and can prevent even the most effective nanomedicines from becoming drugs, since it complicates scale up and can affect reproducibility of material properties, being key requirements for transfer. Consequently, a major task for polymer chemists is the development of synthetic pathways to biomaterials and functional systems, which intrinsically reduces chemical complexity, while preserving the desired multi-functionality. With respect to these needs, we have developed reactive polypept(o)ides (polypeptoid-block-polypeptide copolymers), which can be synthesized with precise control over molecular weight, low polymer dispersity, high end group integrity, and a variety of available reactive groups. Furthermore, this class of materials is completely based on endogenous amino acids and combines the "stealth"-like properties of polysarcosine with the multi-functionality of polypeptides. These polymers enable the straightforward synthesis of core cross-linked micelles (PeptoMicelles) and nanohydrogels (PeptoNanoGels), bottlebrush polymers (PeptoBrushes) and star-like polymers (PeptoStars), with control over morphology and core as well as corona functionality, permitting us to systematically investigate the influence of particle properties on biological responses and ultimately to tailor particle properties to medical needs in diagnosis and therapy. An overview on preclinical research on polypept(o)ide-based nanoparticles in immune and chemo therapy of cancer, antibacterial therapies, and on in vivo click chemistry for pre-targeting in relevant preclinical models will be presented.

Polypept(o)ides: From a new class of polymers to functional systems for diagnosis and therapy

256th National Meeting (2018)

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