Thermoresponsive glycopolypeptides with temperature controlled selective lectin binding properties

Linear polypeptide poly(gamma-propargyl-L-glutamate) (PPLG) was synthesized by the ring opening polymerization CROP) of the corresponding N-carboxy anhydride (NCA). Azide-functional galactose and 1-azido-2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethane (mEO(2)) were co-clicked on the polypeptide at different ratios to introduce selective binding and thermoresponsive properties. Selective binding was demonstrated by turbidity assays with Ricinus Communis Agglutinin (RCA(120)) lectin. Cloud point measurements confirmed the cloud point temperature (T-cp) of the polymers increasing with the ratio of mEO(2) to galactose. Moreover, lectin binding experiments at temperatures above and below T-cp, suggest that binding is suppressed above T-cp. This opens opportunities to design functional materials with temperature controlled biological response. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.