Design of Synthetic Polymer Nanoparticles that Capture and Neutralize a Toxic Peptide
Small, 2009, 5, ASAP
Designs on toxins: Polymer nanoparticles (NPs) capable of binding and neutralizing the biomacromolecular toxin melittin are designed. A set of functional monomer combinations is selected from a library of random copolymers. The binding capacity and affinity are analyzed separately. Optimized NPs neutralize the toxin even in a complex living milieu.
Polymer nanoparticles (NPs) that are capable of binding and neutralizing the peptide toxin melittin. Functional monomer combinations was selected from a library of random copolymers. Optimized NPs were capable of neutralizing the toxin in vivo and in vitro. Shown at left the addition of NPs suppresses the lysis of red blood cells We anticipate this will be a starting point for design of more sophisticated synthetic alternatives of antibodies.
AFM images of NIPAM NPs synthesized with 40% N-t-butyl acrylamide and 5% acrylic acid. High profile of cross-section (blue line) is shown in insert.