Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Chempluschem. 2023 Jul;88(7):e202300260. doi: 10.1002/cplu.202300260.
The folding of proteins into functional nanoparticles with defined 3D structures has inspired chemists to create simple synthetic systems mimicking protein properties. The folding of polymers into nanoparticles in water proceeds via different strategies, resulting in the global compaction of the polymer chain. Herein, we review the different methods available to control the conformation of synthetic polymers and collapse/fold them into structured, functional nanoparticles, such as hydrophobic collapse, supramolecular self-assembly, and covalent cross-linking. A comparison is made between the design principles of protein folding to synthetic polymer folding and the formation of structured nanocompartments in water, highlighting similarities and differences in design and function. We also focus on the importance of structure for functional stability and diverse applications in complex media and cellular environments.
蛋白质折叠成具有明确定义的 3D 结构的功能性纳米颗粒启发了化学家创造简单的合成系统来模拟蛋白质特性。聚合物在水中折叠成纳米颗粒的过程采用了不同的策略，导致聚合物链的整体紧缩。本文综述了控制合成聚合物构象的不同方法，并将其折叠成结构化、功能性纳米颗粒，如疏水性折叠、超分子自组装和共价交联。比较了蛋白质折叠与合成聚合物折叠以及在水中形成结构化纳米隔室的设计原则，突出了设计和功能上的相似性和差异性。我们还重点讨论了结构对于功能稳定性以及在复杂介质和细胞环境中的多种应用的重要性。
