Using proteins as a therapeutic is attractive, as this promises to directly address genetic deficiencies and therefore mitigates side-effects that plague many small molecule drugs. Potential side-effects from small molecule binders are understandable, as these molecules must be designed to target a specific protein in our complex biological system, highlighted by the nearly 20,000 protein-encoding genes. On the other hand, proteins can directly compensate for a specific deficiency and therefore the drug development is less heuristic. However, realizing the full potential of protein-based therapeutics has been difficult, mainly due to their in vivo instability and immunogenicity. To overcome these issues, approaches to modify protein surfaces have been taken. These reports provide examples of innovative strategies that allow for enhanced circulation lifetimes and thus have impacted the utility of proteins that function in the extracellular environment.<br/> <br/>The next significant challenge would involve development of systems for intracellular proteins, where trafficking the biomolecule across a cellular membrane is a hurdle. Two limiting approaches, involving electrostatic interactions or liposomal encapsulation, have been taken to address this need, Non-specific fouling of the complex’ surfaces due to electrostatic interactions and low loading capacities in liposomes, along with the lack of triggerability, have limited the reach of these approaches. We will present a novel covalent self-assembly approach, where the protein cargo itself acts as the template for the polymer to self-assemble around it, has the potential to encapsulate proteins with high fidelity and present charge-neutral surface functionalities.

Responsive polymeric assemblies for protein delivery

2019 Spring National Meeting

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