Summary
UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a new method to generate amphiphilic block copolypeptides.
Background
Block copolymers with amphiphilic character can self-assemble into a variety of micellar structures, including spherical micelles, rodlike micelles, or vesicles. These structures have utility in drug delivery, vesicles for medical diagnostic technologies, and as polymer nanoreactors. Methionine-containing copolymers are of interest for their biocompatibility and ability to be modified to add desirable functionality. However, previous protocols require more complex synthesis protocols and are more limited in scope of functional modifications that can be accomplished.
Innovation
UCLA researchers led by Professor Timothy Deming have developed a novel strategy to create uniform thioether (methionine) containing block copolypeptides. They have amphiphilic character imparted by selective oxidation and alkylation of methionine residues. This method allows for the preparation of functional block copolypeptides as well as methods to generate micelles, vesicles, hydrogels, and emulsions.
Applications
▶ Can be chemically modified by oxidation and alkylation
▶ Unique ability to stimulate an antioxidant response in cells
Advantages
▶ Therapeutics: Drug Delivery - can be used to encapsulate drugs, DNA, proteins, RNA, water insoluble drugs, both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs with high efficiency
▶ Vesicles for Medical Diagnostics - can be used with active compounds for in vivo diagnostic approaches - Decrease concentration of an imaging agent with known side effects, i.e., ultrasound and MRI scans
▶ Polymer Nanoreactors - can encapsulate antioxidant enzymes which then detoxify superoxide radicals present in the vesicle environment