Synthesis and characterization of random and block copolypeptides derived from gamma-methylglutamate and leucine N-carboxyanhydrides.

The synthesis of random and block copolypolyeptides derived from gamma-methylglutamate and leucine N-carboxyanhydrides using Al-Schiff's base complexes and allylamine as initiators is here reported. The copolymer structures were confirmed by (1)H and (13)C NMR. The calculation of the statistical average block lengths reveals the presence of longer methylglutamate units in the copolymer. The determination of the reactivity ratios indicated a slightly higher reactivity of gamma-methylglutamateNCA as compared to leucineNCA. Block copolypeptides containing glutamate and leucine units were obtained by sequential polymerization of the two NCAs using Al-Schiff's base complexes or allylamine in dioxane as solvent. Based on (13)C NMR spectra of copolymers exhibiting two signals corresponding to peptide linkages, we confirmed the block structure and concluded that the copolymerization proceeds by attack of an amino group present on a glutamate chain end onto a LeuNCA. The copolymerization with allylamine was also shown, from calculation of the average block lengths of sequences, to exhibit living behavior. Viscometry analysis further showed that molar masses of the copolypeptides obtained with Al-Schiff's base were quite close to those derived from allylamine, supporting the proposed mechanism of copolymerization.

Biomimetic poly(methyl methacrylate)-based terpolymers: modulation of bacterial adhesion effect.

Adherence of Staphylococcus aureus, responsible for major foreign body infections, was assessed onto functionalized poly(methyl methacrylate)-based terpolymers bearing sulfonate and carboxylate groups and onto poly(methyl methacrylate) as control. These terpolymers, have been synthesized by radical copolymerization of methyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid, and sodium styrene sulfonate by varying the ratio R = [COO(-)]/[COO(-) + SO(3)(-)] from 0 to 1 and keeping ionic monomer content between 7 and 18%. Adsorption of fibronectin onto poly(methyl methacrylate) was shown to dramatically promote bacterial adherence, whereas a strong inhibition of bacteria adherence was observed onto functionalized terpolymers containing both carboxylate and sulfonate groups. When terpolymers were predominantly functionalized by carboxylate groups, bacteria adherence was favored and reached values close to those obtained for poly(methyl methacrylate). These results have been related to the distribution of the anionic groups along the macromolecular chains, creating active sites responsible for specific interactions with fibronectin and inducing modifications of its conformation. The conformation of the adsorbed adhesive protein was then suggested to have an influence on the availability of its interaction sites to bacteria adhesins and therefore on modulation of bacteria adherence. Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus adherence by functionalized poly(methyl methacrylate)-based terpolymers is of great interest in the field of biomedical implants and especially in the case of ophthalmic applications.