Well-Defined Protein-Polymer Conjugates Prepared by Controlled Radical Polymerization

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This research program focuses on the development of versatile methods for the preparation of well-defined polymer bioconjugates by conjugating activated homogeneous polymers to biomolecules and initiating controlled polymerization from proteins in aqueous solution. New bifunctional initiators for atom transfer radical polymerization will be used to prepare monodisperse polymers that react with specific protein residues, and controlled polymerization initiated by modified proteins in aqueous solution will generate bioconjugates in situ.With the support of the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program, Professor Heather D. Maynard, of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles, is developing new methods to prepare couple conventional polymers with polypeptides (proteins). Material properties and applications of such protein-polymer "conjugates" in nanostructured materials, drug delivery, smart materials, and therapeutics are critically dependent on having well-defined polymers and specific points of attachment, yet these are extremely difficult to achieve by conventional means. Professor Maynard's research targets the development of novel new approaches for the synthesis of such structurally and functionally well-defined conjugates.