Peptide/Protein–Polymer Conjugates: Synthetic Design Strategies and Application

Dear Colleagues,

In nature post-translational modifications of peptides/proteins are essential in controlling the complexity and function of biomacromolecules. These modifications are efficient and site specific, with sophisticated cell machinery and biomolecular chaperones responsible for directing the structure, function, and activity of the biomolecules throughout. As synthetic chemists, we strive to mimic the complexity and sophistication of nature through chemical transformations and many methods have been developed through which peptides/proteins can be modified with functional small and/or macromolecules, which we refer to as bioconjugation. Likewise, in polymer chemistry, recent advances in synthetic methodology have led to the emergence of precision polymer synthesis. Radical, ionic and iterative step-growth methods have been developed that allow synthetic macromolecules to be designed and synthesized with unprecedented control over the polymer chain-ends and/or side-chain functionality. Incorporating functional groups that promote efficient and specific bioconjugation into these controlled polymers can promote macromolecular modification of peptides/proteins, with ever-improving site-specificity. The well-defined protein/peptide-polymer hybrid materials formed benefit from the amalgamation of the properties of proteins/peptides with those of synthetic macromolecules. This special issue of Molecules will focus on latest synthetic design strategies for peptide/polymer conjugation, particularly in the context on their potential applications which can range from home and personal care, to healthcare and drug-delivery.

Dr. Paul Wilson
Guest Editor

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