Versatile N-Methylaminooxy-Functionalized Polypeptides for Preparation of Neoglycoconjugates

The preparation and characterization of a new set of well-defined polypeptides containing N-methylaminooxy side-chain functionality is described. These functional groups enabled the direct coupling of polypeptides with a variety of unmodified reducing saccharides in water to give neoglycopolypeptides in high yields. The use of different polypeptide scaffolds resulted in neoglycoconjugates with tunable chain conformations, hydrophobicity, and charge. These new neoglycopolypeptides were also found to be stable in aqueous media at pH 7.4 and 37 degrees C for 1 week. The combination of straightforward synthesis using unmodified saccharides, high yields of saccharide conjugation, and conjugate stability makes these polypeptides attractive candidates for development of degradable glycoprotein mimics.