Issue 41, 2018

Synthesis, self-assembly, and base-pairing of nucleobase end-functionalized block copolymers in aqueous solution

Abstract

Molecular recognition plays an important role in biological systems. Exploiting the complementary base-pairing observed between nucleotides (in DNA and RNA) to build discrete multicomponent composite micelles would be of high value. Herein, we describe the synthesis of short chain block copolymers functionalized with the nucleobase adenine (A) or thymine (T). The copolymers self-assemble in a phosphate buffered aqueous solution and base-pairing is observed between the nucleobase end-functionalized block copolymer and the free nucleobase despite the highly competitive aqueous environment. This phenomenon is only observed when the nucleobase is attached to the hydrophilic end of the copolymer. Exposure to elevated temperatures destroys the hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) between the nucleobase end-functionalized block copolymer and the complementary nucleobase, thus releasing A or T from the micelle. The molecular recognition properties exhibited by these structures have the potential to build higher ordered structures and furnish nucleobase or DNA containing nanomaterials.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis, self-assembly, and base-pairing of nucleobase end-functionalized block copolymers in aqueous solution

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
14 Aug 2018
Accepted
12 Sep 2018
First published
14 Sep 2018

Polym. Chem., 2018,9, 5086-5094

Synthesis, self-assembly, and base-pairing of nucleobase end-functionalized block copolymers in aqueous solution

M. Wang, B. Choi, X. Wei, A. Feng and S. H. Thang, Polym. Chem., 2018, 9, 5086 DOI: 10.1039/C8PY01201F

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