Exploiting Biocatalysis in the Synthesis of Supramolecular Polymers - Enzymatic Polymerisation - page 125

Exploiting Biocatalysis in the Synthesis
of Supramolecular Polymers

Sangita Roy and Rein V. Ulijn

Abstract This chapter details the exploitation of biocatalysis in generating
supramolecular polymers. This approach provides highly dynamic supramolecular
structures, inspired by biological polymeric systems found in the intra- and extra-
cellular space. The molecular design of the self-assembling precursors is discussed
in terms of enzyme recognition, molecular switching mechanisms and non-covalent
interactions that drive the supramolecular polymerisation process, with an emphasis
on aromatic peptide amphiphiles. We discuss a number of unique features of these
systems, including spatiotemporal control of nucleation and growth of supramolec-
ular polymers and the possibility of kinetically controlling mechanical properties.
Fully reversible systems that operate under thermodynamic control allow for defect
correction and selection of the most stable structures from mixtures of monomers.
Finally, a number of potential applications of enzymatic supramolecular polymeri-
sations are discussed in the context of biomedicine and nanotechnology.

Keywords Biocatalysis · Enzymes · Peptides · Molecular hydrogel · Self-

assembly · Supramolecular polymers

Contents

1 Introduction .................................................................................... 128

2 Examples from the Biological World ......................................................... 129

3 Enzymatic Supramolecular Polymerisation .................................................. 130

3.1 Enzyme-Specific Target ................................................................ 130

3.2 Self-Assembly Component ............................................................ 131

3.3 Molecular Switch Component ......................................................... 133