With nearly 700 million infections annually, human norovirus (HNV) presents a potent global health burden that has yet to be properly addressed. Research into vaccines and antiviral compounds have not yielded any medications capable of suppressing viral infection, requiring a need for alternative approaches. Antiviral polymers may be able to fill that gap. Taking inspiration from nature and cell-virus interactions, we aim to decorate a polymer’s surface with glycan moieties that HNV commonly utilizes for infection. Modified sialic acids (SAs) are chemically synthesized and armed with an acrylamide linker extending from the C2 position. Histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs), possessing a more complex structure, are synthesized via automated glycan assembly. Hyperbranched polymers are synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization using either a tetrafluorophenyl 4-vinylbenzene sulfonate or tetrafluorophenyl acrylate monomer. To better elucidate our material’s antiviral efficacy, structure-property relationships are investigated through the synthesis of a polymer library: molecular weight, degree of branching, and the hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity of the material’s backbone are all systematically altered. The presence of terminal trithiocarbonate functional groups on the hyperbranched structures allows for the controlled insertion of glycans (SA or HBGAs) onto the terminal ends of polymers. Antiviral inhibition will be measured using hemagglutination assays.

Synthesizing a library of hyperbranched glycopolymers via RAFT polymerization for human norovirus inhibition

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

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