Stable, Hydroxyl Functional Polycarbonates With Glycerol Side Chains Synthesized From CO2and Isopropylidene(glyceryl glycidyl ether)

Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Attachment and Infection by Sulfated Polyglycerols with Different Architectures

Inhibition of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) binding to the host cell surface by highly sulfated architectures is among the promising strategies to prevent virus entry and infection. However, the structural flexibility of multivalent inhibitors plays a major role in effective blockage and inhibition of virus receptors. In this study, we demonstrate the inhibitory effect of a polymer scaffold on the HSV-1 infection by using highly sulfated polyglycerols with different architectures (linear, dendronized, and hyperbranched). IC₅₀ values for all synthesized sulfated polyglycerols and the natural sulfated polymer heparin were determined using plaque reduction infection assays. Interestingly, an increase in the IC₅₀ value from 0.03 to 374 nM from highly flexible linear polyglycerol sulfate (LPGS) to less flexible scaffolds, namely, dendronized polyglycerol sulfate and hyperbranched polyglycerol sulfate was observed. The most potent LPGS inhibits HSV-1 infection 295 times more efficiently than heparin, and we show that LPGS has a much reduced anticoagulant capacity when compared to heparin as evidenced by measuring the activated partial thromboplastin time. Furthermore, prevention of infection by LPGS and the commercially available drug acyclovir were compared. All tested sulfated polymers do not show any cytotoxicity at concentrations of up to 1 mg/mL in different cell lines. We conclude from our results that more flexible polyglycerol sulfates are superior to less flexible sulfated polymers with respect to inhibition of HSV-1 infection and may constitute an alternative to the current antiviral treatments of this ubiquitous pathogen.

Direct glucosone-based synthesis and HILIC-ESI-MS/MS characterization of N-terminal fructosylated valine and valylhistidine for validation of enzymatic HbA1c assays in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus

Naturally occurring fructosamines are of high clinical significance due to their potential use in diabetes mellitus monitoring (quantification of fructosylated hemoglobin, HbA1c) or for the investigation of their reactivity in consecutive reactions and harmfulness towards the organism. Here we report the specific synthesis of the fructosylated dipeptide L-valyl-L-histidine (Fru-Val-His) and fructosylated L-valine (Fru-Val). Both are basic tools for the development and validation of enzymatic HbA1c assays. The two fructosamine derivatives were synthesized via a protected glucosone intermediate which was coupled to the primary amine of Val or Val-His, performing a reductive amination reaction. Overall yields starting from fructose were 36% and 34% for Fru-Val and Fru-Val-His, respectively. Both compounds were achieved in purities > 90%. A HILIC-ESI-MS/MS method was developed for routine analysis of the synthesized fructosamines, including starting materials and intermediates. The presented method provides a well-defined and efficient synthesis protocol with purification steps and characterization of the desired products. The functionality of the fructosylated dipeptide has been thoroughly tested in an enzymatic HbA1c assay, showing its concentration-dependent oxidative degradation by fructosyl-peptide oxidases (FPOX). Graphical abstract.

Crystalline CO2 -Based Aliphatic Polycarbonates with Long Alkyl Chains

Carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) is an easily available, renewable carbon source and can be utilized as a comonomer in the catalytic ring-opening polymerization of epoxides to generate aliphatic polycarbonates. Dodecyl glycidyl ether (DDGE) is copolymerized with CO₂ and propylene oxide (PO) to obtain aliphatic poly(dodecyl glycidyl ether carbonate) and poly(propylene carbonate-co-dodecyl glycidyl ether carbonate) copolymers, respectively. The polymerization proceeds at 30 °C and high CO₂ pressure utilizing the established binary catalytic system (R,R)-Co(salen)Cl/[PPN]Cl. The copolymers with varying DDGE:PO ratios are characterized via NMR, FT-IR spectroscopy, and SEC, exhibiting high molecular weights between 11 400 and 37 900 g mol^-1 with dispersities (Р= M _w /M _n ) in the range of 1.37-1.61. Copolymers with T _g s of -11 °C or T _m s from 5 to 15 °C and thermal decomposition >200 °C depending on the comonomer ratio, are obtained as determined by differential scanning calorimetry/TGA.

One-pot synthesis and postpolymerization functionalization of cyclic carbonate/epoxide-difunctional polycarbonates prepared by regioselective diepoxide/CO2 copolymerization

Polycarbonate with cyclic carbonate and epoxide-difunctional groups is synthesized via a copolymerization of 4-VCHO and CO₂ in one-step, which possess high T_g and afford a versatile platform for the post-functionalziation.

Synthesis of four- and six-armed star-shaped polycarbonates by immortal alternating copolymerization of CO2 and propylene oxide

A series of four- and six-armed star-shaped poly(propylene carbonate)s (PPCs) have successfully been synthesized by carbon dioxide (CO₂)–propylene oxide (PO) immortal alternating copolymerization initiated either from tetra- or hexa-functional carboxylic acids.

Synthesis of Aliphatic Poly(ether 1,2-glycerol carbonate)s via Copolymerization of CO2 with Glycidyl Ethers Using a Cobalt Salen Catalyst and Study of a Thermally Stable Solid Polymer Electrolyte

The synthesis and characterization of linear poly(ether 1,2-glycerol carbonate)s derivatized with pendant butyl, octyl, or stearyl tethers are reported. The polymers are obtained via the ring-opening copolymerization of butyl, octyl, or stearic glycidyl ethers with carbon dioxide using the [rac-SalcyCo^IIIDNP] catalyst bearing a quaternary ammonium salt. Synthesized polymers were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, FT-IR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and rheometry. Polymers with controlled molecular weights in the range of 8970-31 900 g/mol were obtained with low polydispersities between 1.1 and 1.4. Thermal properties of the materials confirm amorphous structures of the polymers with butyl and octyl chains, with glass transition temperatures of -24 and -34 °C, respectively. The stearyl tether polymer exhibited a melting point of 55 °C. Additionally, the potential of poly(butyl ether 1,2-glycerol carbonate) as a thermally stable solid polymer electrolyte was investigated, and it exhibits temperature-dependent conductivity with values comparable to those of optimized PEO-based electrolytes.

Synthesis and characterization of amino-functionalized poly(propylene carbonate)

The first synthesis of amino-functionalized poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) by terpolymerization of carbon dioxide (CO₂), propylene oxide (PO), and N,N-dibenzyl amino glycidol (DBAG) following the removal of benzyl protecting groups.

Ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP): synthesis and properties of polyesters and polycarbonates

This feature article highlights the opportunities presented by ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP) as a controlled route to prepare polyesters and polycarbonates.

Recent advances in glycerol polymers: chemistry and biomedical applications

Glycerol polymers are attracting increased attention due to the diversity of polymer compositions and architectures available. This article provides a brief chronological review on the current status of these polymers along with representative examples of their use for biomedical applications. First, the underlying chemistry of glycerol that provides access to a range of monomers for subsequent polymerizations is described. Then, the various synthetic methodologies to prepare glycerol-based polymers including polyethers, polycarbonates, polyesters, and so forth are reviewed. Next, several biomedical applications where glycerol polymers are being investigated including carriers for drug delivery, sealants or coatings for tissue repair, and agents possessing antibacterial activity are described. Fourth, the growing market opportunity for the use of polymers in medicine is described. Finally, the findings are concluded and summarized, as well as the potential opportunities for continued research efforts are discussed.

Renaissance of Aliphatic Polycarbonates: New Techniques and Biomedical Applications

Aliphatic polycarbonates were discovered a long time ago, with their conventional applications mostly limited to low molecular weight oligomeric intermediates for copolymerization with other polymers. Recent developments in polymerization techniques have overcome the difficulty in preparing high molecular weight aliphatic polycarbonates. These in turn, along with new functional monomers, have enabled the preparation of a wide range of aliphatic polycarbonates with diverse chemical compositions and structures. This review summarizes the latest polymerization techniques for preparing well-defined functional aliphatic polycarbonates, as well as the new applications of those aliphatic polycarbonates, esecially in the biomedical field.

A concise review of computational studies of the carbon dioxide–epoxide copolymerization reactions

The production of polycarbonates from carbon dioxide and epoxides is an important route by which waste CO₂ is converted into useful products. This review surveys the use of computational chemistry toward understanding this reaction.