0000000000161389

AUTHOR

Alexander Birke

0000-0003-3051-7994

showing 20 related works from this author

Cylindrical Brush Polymers with Polysarcosine Side Chains: A Novel Biocompatible Carrier for Biomedical Applications

2015

Cylindrical brush polymers constitute promising polymeric drug delivery systems (nanoDDS). Because of the densely grafted side chains such structures may intrinsically exhibit little protein adsorption (“stealth” effect) while providing a large number of functional groups accessible for bioconjugation reactions. Polysarcosine (PSar) is a highly water-soluble, nonionic and nonimmunogenic polypeptoid based on the endogenous amino acid sarcosine (N-methyl glycine). Here we report on the synthesis, characterization and biocompatibility of cylindrical brush polymers with either polysarcosine side chains or poly-l-lysine-b-polysarcosine side chains. The latter leads to block copolypept(o)id based…

chemistry.chemical_classificationSarcosineBioconjugationPolymers and PlasticsBiocompatibilityOrganic ChemistryCationic polymerizationPolymerInorganic Chemistrychemistry.chemical_compoundPolymerizationchemistryPolymer chemistryMaterials ChemistrySide chainProtein adsorptionMacromolecules
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Trans -Cyclooctene-Functionalized PeptoBrushes with Improved Reaction Kinetics of the Tetrazine Ligation for Pretargeted Nuclear Imaging

2020

Tumor targeting using agents with slow pharmacokinetics represents a major challenge in nuclear imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy as they most often result in low imaging contrast and high radiation dose to healthy tissue. To address this challenge, we developed a polymer-based targeting agent that can be used for pretargeted imaging and thus separates tumor accumulation from the imaging step in time. The developed targeting agent is based on polypeptide-graft-polypeptoid polymers (PeptoBrushes) functionalized with trans-cyclooctene (TCO). The complementary In-111-labeled imaging agent is a 1,2,4,5-tetrazine derivative, which can react with aforementioned TCO-modified PeptoBrushes i…

pretargeted imagingGeneral Physics and Astronomy02 engineering and technology010402 general chemistry01 natural sciencesArticlechemistry.chemical_compoundTetrazinetetrazine ligationCycloocteneGeneral Materials Sciencepolypeptide-graft-polypeptoidsPretargetingchemistry.chemical_classificationGeneral EngineeringPolymerEPR effectPeptoBrush021001 nanoscience & nanotechnologynanomedicineSmall moleculeCombinatorial chemistryImaging agent0104 chemical scienceschemistrySPECTNanomedicineBioorthogonal chemistry0210 nano-technologyACS Nano
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Cooperative Catechol-Functionalized Polypept(o)ide Brushes and Ag Nanoparticles for Combination of Protein Resistance and Antimicrobial Activity on M…

2018

Prevention of biofouling and microbial contamination of implanted biomedical devices is essential to maintain their functionality and biocompatibility. For this purpose, polypept(o)ide block copolymers have been developed, in which a protein-resistant polysarcosine (pSar) block is combined with a dopamine-modified poly(glutamic acid) block for surface coating and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) formation. In the development of a novel, versatile, and biocompatible antibacterial surface coating, block lengths pSar were varied to derive structure-property relationships. Notably, the catechol moiety performs two important tasks in parallel; primarily it acts as an efficient anchoring group to me…

SilverPolymers and PlasticsBiocompatibilityDopamineCatecholsOxideBioengineering02 engineering and technology010402 general chemistry01 natural sciencesSilver nanoparticleBiomaterialsBiofoulingchemistry.chemical_compoundAnti-Infective AgentsMaterials ChemistryCopolymerMoietyCatecholOxides021001 nanoscience & nanotechnologyCombinatorial chemistry0104 chemical sciencesSurface coatingPolyglutamic AcidchemistryNanoparticles0210 nano-technologyBiomacromolecules
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Revisiting Secondary Structures in NCA Polymerization: Influences on the Analysis of Protected Polylysines

2014

Two series (degree of polymerization: 20–200) of polylysines with Z and TFA protecting groups were synthesized, and their behavior in a range of analytical methods was investigated. Gel permeation chromatography of the smaller polypeptides reveals a bimodal distribution, which is lost in larger polymers. With the help of GPC, NMR, circular dichroism (CD), and MALDI-TOF, it was demonstrated that the bimodal distribution is not due to terminated chains or other side reactions. Our results indicate that the bimodality is caused by a change in secondary structure of the growing peptide chain that occurs around a degree of polymerization of about 15. This change in secondary structure interferes…

chemistry.chemical_classificationCircular dichroismPolymers and PlasticsOrganic ChemistryPeptidePolymerDegree of polymerizationRandom coilInorganic ChemistryGel permeation chromatographychemistryPolymerizationPolymer chemistryMaterials ChemistryProtein secondary structureMacromolecules
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Directed Interactions of Block Copolypept(o)ides with Mannose-binding Receptors: PeptoMicelles Targeted to Cells of the Innate Immune System

2015

Core-shell structures based on polypept(o)ides combine stealth-like properties of the corona material polysarcosine with adjustable functionalities of the polypeptidic core. Mannose-bearing block copolypept(o)ides (PSar-block-PGlu(OBn)) have been synthesized using 11-amino-3,6,9-trioxa-undecyl-2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-O-α-D-mannopyranoside as initiator in the sequential ring-opening polymerization of α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides. These amphiphilic block copolypept(o)ides self-assemble into multivalent PeptoMicelles and bind to mannose-binding receptors as expressed by dendritic cells. Mannosylated micelles showed enhanced cell uptake in DC 2.4 cells and in bone marrow-derived dendritic ce…

Innate immune systemPolymers and PlasticsChemistryMannose bindingCellMannoseBioengineeringMicelleBiomaterialschemistry.chemical_compoundmedicine.anatomical_structurePolymerizationBiochemistryAmphiphileMaterials ChemistrymedicineBiophysicsReceptorBiotechnologyMacromolecular Bioscience
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Synthesis and Sequential Deprotection of Triblock Copolypept(o)ides Using Orthogonal Protective Group Chemistry

2014

The synthesis of triblock copolymers based on polysarcosine, poly-N-ε-t-butyloxycarbonyl-l-lysine, and poly-N-ε-t-trifluoroacetyl-l-lysine by ring-opening polymerization of the corresponding α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) is described. For the synthesis of N-ε-t-butyloxycarbonyl-l-lysine (lysine(Boc)) NCAs, an acid-free method using trimethylsilylchloride/triethylamine as hydrochloric acid (HCl) scavengers is presented. This approach enables the synthesis of lysine(Boc) NCA of high purity (melting point 138.3 °C) in high yields. For triblock copolypept(o)ides, the degree of polymerization (Xn ) of the polysarcosine block is varied between 200 and 600; poly-N-ε-t-butyloxycarbonyl-l-…

Polymers and PlasticsOrganic ChemistryLysineSarcosineHydrochloric acidDegree of polymerizationcomplex mixturesPolymerizationchemistry.chemical_compoundEnd-groupchemistryPolymerizationPolymer chemistryMaterials ChemistryMelting pointCopolymerbacteriaPolylysinePeptidesTriethylamineMacromolecular Rapid Communications
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Macromol. Rapid Commun. 1/2015

2015

Polymers and PlasticsChemistryOrganic ChemistryMaterials ChemistryMacromolecular Rapid Communications
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Cover Picture: Macromol. Biosci. 10/2014

2014

BiomaterialsGeographyPolymers and PlasticsMaterials ChemistryBioengineeringCover (algebra)Physical geographyBiotechnologyMacromolecular Bioscience
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Introducing PeptoPlexes: Polylysine-block-Polysarcosine Based Polyplexes for Transfection of HEK 293T Cells

2014

A series of well-defined polypeptide-polypeptoid block copolymers based on the body's own amino acids sarcosine and lysine are prepared by ring opening polymerization of N-carboxyanhydrides. Block lengths were varied between 200-300 for the shielding polysarcosine block and 20-70 for the complexing polylysine block. Dispersity indexes ranged from 1.05 to 1.18. Polylysine is polymerized with benzyloxycarbonyl as well as trifluoroacetyl protecting groups at the ϵ-amine group and optimized deprotection protocols for both groups are reported. The obtained block ionomers are used to complex pDNA resulting in the formation of polyplexes (PeptoPlexes). The PeptoPlexes can be successfully applied i…

chemistry.chemical_classificationSarcosinePolymers and PlasticsDispersityBioengineeringTransfectionRing-opening polymerizationAmino acidBiomaterialschemistry.chemical_compoundBiochemistrychemistryPolylysinePEG ratioMaterials ChemistryBiophysicsCytotoxicityBiotechnologyMacromolecular Bioscience
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Solution Properties of Polysarcosine: From Absolute and Relative Molar Mass Determinations to Complement Activation

2018

Polysarcosine (pSar) was one of the first polymers synthesized in a controlled living manner, but it was only recently when it was reconsidered as a promising alternative for poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in biomedical applications. Despite receiving more and more attention, very little is known about the solution properties of pSar, such as coil dimensions and thermodynamic interactions. In this article, we report on these properties of pSar with degrees of polymerization 50 < X-n < 400 that were prepared by controlled living ring-opening polymerization. The polymers are characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, dynamic and static light scattering (SL…

chemistry.chemical_classificationMaterials sciencePolymers and PlasticsOrganic ChemistryAnalytical chemistrytechnology industry and agricultureViscometer02 engineering and technologyPolymer010402 general chemistry021001 nanoscience & nanotechnologyMass spectrometry01 natural sciences0104 chemical sciencesInorganic ChemistryGel permeation chromatographychemistry.chemical_compoundchemistryPolymerizationPEG ratioMaterials ChemistryStatic light scattering0210 nano-technologyEthylene glycol
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Improved radiosynthesis and preliminary in vivo evaluation of the 11C-labeled tetrazine [11C]AE-1 for pretargeted PET imaging

2019

Pretargeted nuclear imaging based on the ligation between tetrazines and nano-sized targeting agents functionalized with trans-cyclooctene (TCO) has recently been shown to improve both imaging contrast and dosimetry in nuclear imaging of nanomedicines. Herein, we describe the improved radiosynthesis of a 11 C-labeled tetrazine ([ 11 C]AE-1) and its preliminary evaluation in both mice and pigs. Pretargeted imaging in mice was carried out using both a new TCO-functionalized polyglutamic acid and a previously reported TCO-functionalized bisphosphonate system as targeting agents. Unfortunately, pretargeted imaging was not successful using these targeting agents in pair with [ 11 C]AE-1. Howeve…

Nuclear imagingClinical BiochemistryTetrazinePET imagingPharmaceutical ScienceCarbon-1101 natural sciencesBiochemistryTetrazinechemistry.chemical_compoundIn vivoTrans-cycloocteneDrug DiscoveryMolecular BiologyPretargetingPretargeting010405 organic chemistryChemistryOrganic ChemistryRadiosynthesisPet imaging3. Good health0104 chemical sciences010404 medicinal & biomolecular chemistryMolecular MedicineBiomedical engineeringBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters
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Back Cover: Macromol. Biosci. 1/2015

2015

BiomaterialsHydrologyPolymers and PlasticsMaterials ChemistryBioengineeringCover (algebra)GeologyBiotechnologyMacromolecular Bioscience
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Polypeptoid-block-polypeptide Copolymers: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Amphiphilic Block Copolypept(o)ides in Drug Formulations an…

2013

We report the synthesis of polysarcosine-block-polyglutamic acid benzylester (PSar-block-PGlu(OBn)) and polysarcosine-block-polylysine-ε-N-benzyloxycarbonyl (PSar-block-PLys(Z)) copolymers. The novel polypeptoid-block-polypeptide copolymers (Copolypept(o)ides) have been synthesized by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs). Polymerization conditions were optimized regarding protecting groups, block sequence and length. While the degree of polymerization of the PSar block length was set to be around 200 or 400, PGlu(OBn) and PLys(Z) block lengths were varied between 20 to 75. The obtained block copolymers had a total degree of polymerization of 220-475 and dispersity…

Polymers and PlasticsCell SurvivalPolymersSurface PropertiesChemistry PharmaceuticalDispersityBioengineeringDegree of polymerizationBiomaterialsPeptoidsStructure-Activity RelationshipSurface-Active AgentsColloidCell Line TumorBlock (telecommunications)AmphiphilePolymer chemistryMaterials ChemistryCopolymerHumansParticle SizeDose-Response Relationship DrugChemistryMiniemulsionHEK293 CellsPolymerizationEmulsionsPeptidesBiomacromolecules
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A controlled and versatile NCA polymerization method for the synthesis of polypeptides

2013

A versatile and simple methodology for the preparation of well-defined polyglutamate nanocarriers is described. For the first time ammonium salts with non-nucleophilic tetrafluoroborate anions are used as initiators for the ring opening polymerization of alpha-N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) allowing a multigram scale polyglutamate synthesis with defined molecular weight (up to 800 units), low polydispersity (<1.2), controlled chain end functionality and adequate stereoselectivity and absence of any trace of toxic impurity to allow biomedical applications.

TetrafluoroboratePolymers and PlasticsPolyglutamateChemistryOrganic ChemistryDispersityBioengineering02 engineering and technology010402 general chemistry021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology01 natural sciencesBiochemistryRing-opening polymerization0104 chemical scienceschemistry.chemical_compoundPolymerizationOrganic chemistryStereoselectivityNanocarriers0210 nano-technology
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Investigation of α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides by X-ray diffraction for controlled ring-opening polymerization

2019

Abstract The need for a scalable synthesis of not sequence defined polypeptides as biomaterials is met by the ring-opening polymerization of α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs). Even though this polymerization technique appears straight forward, it holds pitfalls in terms of reproducibility and overall control over the polymerization conditions, which depends, beside choice of solvent or initiator, significantly on reagent purity. In addition, the synthesis of monomers can lead to the formation of racemic amino acids. Thus, in this work, we describe the benefits of highly pure monomers in order to control nucleophilic ring-opening polymerization NCAs. Hereby, monomer purity is investiga…

chemistry.chemical_classificationOrganic ChemistrySequence (biology)BiochemistryRing-opening polymerizationAmino acidchemistry.chemical_compoundMonomerchemistryNucleophilePolymerizationReagentDrug DiscoveryX-ray crystallographyPolymer chemistryTetrahedron Letters
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Polysarcosine-containing copolymers: Synthesis, characterization, self-assembly, and applications

2018

Although the first polysarcosine (pSar) synthesis by Wesseley et al. was reported almost a century ago, it was only recently that pSar gained broader attention and is considered a potential alternative of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). In contrast to polyethers, such as PEG, pSar is a polypeptoid based on the amino acid sarcosine, i.e. N-methylated glycine. As a polymer, pSar combines PEG-like properties, e.g., excellent solubility in water, protein resistance, low cellular toxicity and a non-immunogenic character, while being based on endogenous material. Sarcosine can be obtained in a simple one-step reaction of bromoacetic acid and methylamine, easily transferred into the sarcosine N-(thio…

chemistry.chemical_classificationSarcosinePolymers and PlasticsOrganic Chemistry02 engineering and technologySurfaces and InterfacesPolymer010402 general chemistry021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology01 natural sciencesCombinatorial chemistry0104 chemical sciencesPolyesterchemistry.chemical_compoundchemistryBromoacetic acidPolymerizationMaterials ChemistryCeramics and CompositesCopolymerSelf-assembly0210 nano-technologyEthylene glycol
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CCDC 1874607: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

2019

Related Article: Olga Schäfer, Dieter Schollmeyer, Alexander Birke, Regina Holm, Kerstin Johann, Christian Muhl, Christine Seidl, Benjamin Weber, Matthias Barz|2019|Tetrahedron Lett.|60|272|doi:10.1016/j.tetlet.2018.12.028

Space GroupCrystallographyCrystal SystemCrystal StructureCell ParametersExperimental 3D Coordinates3-methyl-13-oxazolidine-25-dione
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CCDC 1874606: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

2019

Related Article: Olga Schäfer, Dieter Schollmeyer, Alexander Birke, Regina Holm, Kerstin Johann, Christian Muhl, Christine Seidl, Benjamin Weber, Matthias Barz|2019|Tetrahedron Lett.|60|272|doi:10.1016/j.tetlet.2018.12.028

N-epsilon-t-butyloxycarbonyl-L-lysine N-carboxyanhydrideSpace GroupCrystallographyCrystal SystemCrystal StructureCell ParametersExperimental 3D Coordinates
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CCDC 1874603: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

2019

Related Article: Olga Schäfer, Dieter Schollmeyer, Alexander Birke, Regina Holm, Kerstin Johann, Christian Muhl, Christine Seidl, Benjamin Weber, Matthias Barz|2019|Tetrahedron Lett.|60|272|doi:10.1016/j.tetlet.2018.12.028

Space GroupCrystallographyS-[(25-dioxo-13-oxazolidin-4-yl)methyl] ethanesulfonothioateCrystal SystemCrystal StructureCell ParametersExperimental 3D Coordinates
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CCDC 1874604: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

2019

Related Article: Olga Schäfer, Dieter Schollmeyer, Alexander Birke, Regina Holm, Kerstin Johann, Christian Muhl, Christine Seidl, Benjamin Weber, Matthias Barz|2019|Tetrahedron Lett.|60|272|doi:10.1016/j.tetlet.2018.12.028

Space GroupCrystallographyCrystal SystemS-[(25-dioxo-13-oxazolidin-4-yl)methyl] propane-2-sulfonothioateCrystal StructureCell ParametersExperimental 3D Coordinates
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