Crosslinked Polypeptide Films via RAFT‐Mediated Continuous Assembly of Polymers. Issue 9 (12th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chan, Nicholas J.; Lentz, Sarah; Gurr, Paul A.; Tan, Shereen; Scheibel, Thomas; Qiao, Greg G.
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 61:Issue 9(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-01-12
• Subjects: CAP-RAFT -- Crosslinked -- Polypeptide -- Surface-initiated polymerization -- Secondary structure; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.202112842
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

Abstract: Polypeptide coatings are a cornerstone in the field of surface modification due to their widespread biological potential. As their properties are dictated by their structural features, subsequent control thereof using unique fabrication strategies is important. Herein, we report a facile method of precisely creating densely crosslinked polypeptide films with unusually high random coil content through continuous assembly polymerization via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (CAP‐RAFT). CAP‐RAFT was fundamentally investigated using methacrylated poly‐l ‐lysine (PLLMA) and methacrylated poly‐l ‐glutamic acid (PLGMA). Careful technique refinement resulted in films up to 36.1±1.1 nm thick which could be increased to 94.9±8.2 nm after using this strategy multiple times. PLLMA and PLGMA films were found to have 30–50 % random coil conformations. Degradation by enzymes present during wound healing reveals potential for applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. Abstract : Research into polypeptide films extends beyond polypeptide characterization into their fabrication. Herein, we report the novel fabrication of chemically crosslinked polypeptide films using reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Secondary structure analysis reveals unusually high random coil formation and such films further demonstrate biodegradability useful for tissue engineering and drug delivery.