Synthesis and self-assembly of tree-like amphiphilic glycopolypeptides

Novel synthetic tree-like oligosaccharides-grafted-polypeptides were prepared by using Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between poly(gamma-benzyl-L-glutamate)-block-poly(propargylglycine) and two different oligosaccharides, dextran or hyaluronan. By direct solubilisation in water, these tree- ike glycopeptides spontaneously form very small assemblies with sizes below 50 nm and low polydispersity.