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Williams MJ. Microcanonical Analysis of Helical Homopolymers: Exploring the Density of States and Structural Characteristics. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3870. [PMID: 37835919 PMCID: PMC10575320 DOI: 10.3390/polym15193870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the density of states and structural characteristics of helical homopolymers. Comprising repeating identical units, the model enables the exploration of complex behaviors arising from a simple, yet generalized, set of potentials. Utilizing microcanonical analysis, transitions between helical structures are identified and categorized. Through a systematic comparison of results under varying conditions, we develop a nuanced understanding of the system's general behavior. A two-dimensional plot illustrates the relative distribution of different structural types, effectively showcasing their prevalence. The findings of this study substantially advance our understanding of the density of states and structural transformations of helical homopolymers across a range of conditions. Additionally, the prevalence plot offers valuable insights into the occurrence of suppressed intermediate states, particularly in models featuring stiff helix segments. This research significantly enhances our understanding of the complex interactions governing helix bundling phenomena within the context of helical homopolymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Williams
- Institute of Engineering, Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071, USA
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Li Z, Zheng Y, Yan J, Yan Y, Peng C, Wang Z, Liu H, Liu Y, Zhou Y, Ding M. Self-Assembly of Poly(Amino Acid)s Mediated by Secondary Conformations. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300132. [PMID: 37340829 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembly of block copolymers has recently drawn great attention due to its remarkable performance and wide variety of applications in biomedicine, biomaterials, microelectronics, photoelectric materials, catalysts, etc. Poly(amino acid)s (PAAs), formed by introducing synthetic amino acids into copolymer backbones, are able to fold into different secondary conformations when compared with traditional amphiphilic copolymers. Apart from changing the chemical composition and degree of polymerization of copolymers, the self-assembly behaviors of PAAs could be controlled by their secondary conformations, which are more flexible and adjustable for fine structure tailoring. In this article, we summarize the latest findings on the variables that influence secondary conformations, in particular the regulation of order-to-order conformational changes and the approaches used to manage the self-assembly behaviors of PAAs. These strategies include controlling pH, redox reactions, coordination, light, temperature, and so on. Hopefully, we can provide valuable perspectives that will be useful for the future development and use of synthetic PAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifen Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Jingyue Yan
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Yue Yan
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Chuan Peng
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Zuojie Wang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Hang Liu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Yang Liu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Yeqiang Zhou
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Mingming Ding
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
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Li Y, Chang R, Chen YX. Recent advances in post-polymerization modifications on polypeptides: synthesis and applications. Chem Asian J 2022; 17:e202200318. [PMID: 35576055 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202200318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Polypeptides, a kind of very promising biomaterial, have shown a wide range of applications due to their excellent biocompatibility, easy accessibility, and structural variability. To synthesize polypeptides with desired functions, post-polymerization modification (PPM) plays an important role in introducing novel chemical structure on their side-chains. The key of PPM strategy is to develop highly selective and efficient reactions that can couple the additional functional moieties with pre-installed side-chain functionalities on polypeptides. In this minireview, classic PPM reactions and especially their recent progresses are summarized, including different modification approaches for unsaturated alkyl group, oxygen-containing functional group, nitrogen-containing functional group, sulfur-containing functional group and other special functional group on side chains. In addition, this review also highlights the applications of structure-diversified polypeptides generated via PPM strategy in the field of biomaterial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Tsinghua University Department of Chemistry, Chemistry, CHINA
| | - Rong Chang
- Tsinghua University Department of Chemistry, Chemistry, CHINA
| | - Yong-Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Haidian District, 100084, China, 100084, Beiing, CHINA
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Xu X, Liu S, Gao H, Li M, He J, Zheng Y, Song W, Zheng N. Versatile fully-substituted triazole-functionalized polypeptides with a stable α-helical conformation for gene delivery. Polym Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2py00894g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A library of polypeptides bearing fully-substituted triazoles (FT) was developed via a Cu-catalyzed multicomponent reaction (MCR), which avoided the undesired hydrogen bonding and stabilized the α-helix in a broad pH range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Xu
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, P. R. China
| | - Shuxin Liu
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, P. R. China
| | - He Gao
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, P. R. China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, P. R. China
| | - Junnan He
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, P. R. China
| | - Yubin Zheng
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, P. R. China
| | - Wangze Song
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, P. R. China
| | - Nan Zheng
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, P. R. China
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5
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Ge C, Ye H, Wu F, Zhu J, Song Z, Liu Y, Yin L. Biological applications of water-soluble polypeptides with ordered secondary structures. J Mater Chem B 2021; 8:6530-6547. [PMID: 32567639 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb00902d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Water-soluble polypeptides are a class of synthetic polymers with peptide bond frameworks imitating natural proteins and have broad prospects in biological applications. The regulation and dynamic transition of the secondary structures of water-soluble polypeptides have a great impact on their physio-chemical properties and biological functions. In this review article, we briefly introduce the current strategies to synthesize polypeptides and modulate their secondary structures. We then discuss the factors affecting the conformational stability/transition of polypeptides and the potential impact of side-chain functionalization on the ordered secondary structures, such as α-helix and β-sheet. We then summarize the biological applications of water-soluble polypeptides such as cell penetration, gene delivery, and antimicrobial treatment, highlighting the important roles of ordered secondary structures therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Ge
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science & Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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Rasines Mazo A, Allison-Logan S, Karimi F, Chan NJA, Qiu W, Duan W, O’Brien-Simpson NM, Qiao GG. Ring opening polymerization of α-amino acids: advances in synthesis, architecture and applications of polypeptides and their hybrids. Chem Soc Rev 2020; 49:4737-4834. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cs00738e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in the synthesis, architectural design and biomedical applications of polypeptides and their hybrids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Rasines Mazo
- Polymer Science Group
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- University of Melbourne
- Parkville
- Australia
| | - Stephanie Allison-Logan
- Polymer Science Group
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- University of Melbourne
- Parkville
- Australia
| | - Fatemeh Karimi
- Polymer Science Group
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- University of Melbourne
- Parkville
- Australia
| | - Nicholas Jun-An Chan
- Polymer Science Group
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- University of Melbourne
- Parkville
- Australia
| | - Wenlian Qiu
- Polymer Science Group
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- University of Melbourne
- Parkville
- Australia
| | - Wei Duan
- School of Medicine
- Deakin University
- Geelong
- Australia
| | - Neil M. O’Brien-Simpson
- Centre for Oral Health Research
- Melbourne Dental School and the Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology
- University of Melbourne
- Parkville
- Australia
| | - Greg G. Qiao
- Polymer Science Group
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- University of Melbourne
- Parkville
- Australia
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Liang Y, Zhang X, Yuan Y, Bao Y, Xiong M. Role and modulation of the secondary structure of antimicrobial peptides to improve selectivity. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:6858-6866. [PMID: 32815940 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm00801j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Helix is a two-edged sword for AMPs, and conformational modulation of AMPs can control the balance between antimicrobial activity and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangbin Liang
- Guangzhou First People's Hospital
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering
- South China University of Technology
- Guangzhou
- P. R. China
| | - Xinshuang Zhang
- Guangzhou First People's Hospital
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering
- South China University of Technology
- Guangzhou
- P. R. China
| | - Yueling Yuan
- Guangzhou First People's Hospital
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering
- South China University of Technology
- Guangzhou
- P. R. China
| | - Yan Bao
- Medical Research Center
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital
- Sun Yat-sen University
- Guangzhou
| | - Menghua Xiong
- Guangzhou First People's Hospital
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering
- South China University of Technology
- Guangzhou
- P. R. China
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