2,5-Anhydro-d-Mannose End-Functionalized Chitin Oligomers Activated by Dioxyamines or Dihydrazides as Precursors of Diblock Oligosaccharides

Synthesis of linear chitosan-block-dextran copolysaccharides with dihydrazide and dioxyamine linkers

Dihydrazide (ADH) and dioxyamine (PDHA) were assessed for their efficacy in coupling chitosan and dextran via their reducing ends. Initially, the end-functionalization of the individual polysaccharide blocks was investigated. Under non-reducing conditions, chitosan with a 2,5-anhydro-D-mannose unit at its reducing end exhibited high reactivity with both PDHA and ADH. Dextran, with a normal reducing end, showed superior reactivity with PDHA compared to ADH, although complete conversion with ADH could be achieved under reductive conditions with NaBH3CN. Importantly, the oxime bond in PDHA conjugates exhibited greater stability against hydrolysis compared to the hydrazone bond in ADH conjugates. The optimal block coupling method consisted in reacting chitosan with an excess of dextran pre-functionalized with PDHA. The copolysaccharides could be synthesized in high yields under both reducing and non-reducing conditions. This methodology was applied to relatively long polysaccharide blocks with molecular weight up to 14,000 g/mol for chitosan and up to 40,000 g/mol for dextran. Surprisingly, block copolysaccharides did not self-assemble at neutral or basic pH; rather, they precipitated due to hydrogen bonding between neutralized amino groups of chitosan. However, nanoparticles could be obtained through a nanoprecipitation approach.

Synthesis and unambiguous NMR characterization of linear and branched N-alkyl chitosan derivatives

Chitosan, sourced from abundant chitin-rich waste streams, emerges as a promising candidate in the realm of future functional materials and chemicals. While showing numerous advantageous properties, chitosan sometimes falls short of competing with today's non-renewable alternatives. Chemical derivatization, particularly through N-alkylation, proves promising in enhancing hydrophobic functionalities. This study synthesizes fifteen chitosan derivatives (degree of substitution = 2-10 %) using an improved reductive amination method. Next, selective depolymerization through acid hydrolysis reduced the chain rigidity imposed by the polymer backbone. This facilitated unambiguous structural characterization of the synthesized compounds using a combination of common NMR techniques. Two potential side reactions are identified for the first time, emphasizing the need for detailed structural information to unlock the true potential of these derivatives in future applications. HYPOTHESIS: The increase in chain mobility induced by the selective depolymerization of aliphatic N-alkyl chitosan derivatives allows for an unambiguous NMR characterization.

Carbohydr Polym Special Issue Invited contribution: Click chemistry for block polysaccharides with dihydrazide and dioxyamine linkers - A review

Engineered block polysaccharides is a relatively new class of biomacromolecules consisting of chemical assembly of separate block structures at the chain termini. In contrast to conventional, laterally substituted polysaccharide derivatives, the block arrangement allows for much higher preservation of inherent chain properties such as biodegradability and stimuli-responsive self-assembly, while at the same time inducing new macromolecular properties. Abundant, carbon neutral, and even recalcitrant biomass is an excellent source of blocks, opening for numerous new uses of biomass for a wide range of novel biomaterials. Among a limited range of methodologies available for block conjugation, bifunctional linkers allowing for oxyamine and hydrazide 'click' reactions have recently proven useful additions to the repertoire. This article focuses the chemistry and kinetics of these reactions. It also presents some new data with the aim to provide useful protocols and methods for general use towards new block polysaccharides.

Functionalisation of the non-reducing end of chitin by selective periodate oxidation: A new approach to form complex block polysaccharides and water-soluble chitin-based block polymers

Most polysaccharides used in polysaccharide-based block copolymers are attached to the second block through the reducing end, due to the few and highly polysaccharide specific non-reducing end (NRE) functionalisation methods available. Chitin oligomers, prepared by nitrous acid degradation of chitosan (A_nM) can, however, be selectively oxidised by periodate since they only possess a single vicinal diol in the NRE residue. Here, we show that both aldehydes formed after oxidation are highly reactive towards bifunctional oxyamines and hydrazide linkers. Sub-stochiometric amounts of linkers resulted in conjugation of A_nM oligomers through both chain termini to yield a discrete distribution of 'polymerised' oligomers. Such chitin-based block polymers were, in contrast to chitins of the same chain lengths, water-soluble. Oxidised A_nM oligomers, functionalised at both termini can also enable the preparation of more complex block polysaccharides such as ABA- or ABC-type.

Alginate-based diblock polymers: preparation, characterization and Ca-induced self-assembly

Renewable resources can provide a range of different polysaccharide blocks that can be used to prepare new types of stimuli-responsive polysaccharide-based block copolymers.