Biopolymer poly conjugates

Order-disorder transformation phenomena associated with macromolecules in solution are well-known examples include biopolymers such as polypeptides and DNA [96], 7i-conjugated systems such as the polydiacetylenes [88—93], and tr-bonded systems such as the poly silanes [97]. A detailed theoretical picture of the helix-coil transition in the biopolymers has been developed. Attempts toward a detailed theoretical understanding were made and possible schemes for the observed chromism in such systems were proposed as summarized in Figure 8.24. 

Abiotic-biotic hybrids composed of dendritic polymers and natural biopolymers have already found application as nanodevices. In many instances, these dendritic nanodevices are used in abiotic-biotic molecular recognition events involving suprachemistry [104,293,294]. One prime example is the conjugation of poly(amidoamine) dendrimers to IgG antibodies for use in diagnostic immunoassay [295-297]. In that work, the architecturally precise dendrimers act as a replacement for a secondary antibody by spacing the primary antibody away from the solid phase. The replacement of a secondary binding antibody dramatically reduces lot rejections in manufacture and minimizes nonspecific interactions between analytes and the immobilized antibodies. In this nanodevice, the dendrimer acts both as an antibody replacement in contact with the solid phase as well as a macromolecular spacer to hold the antibody away from the solid phase. 

Chen, T. H., Embree, H. D., Wu, L. Q. and Payne, G. F. (2002). In vitro protein-poly-saccharide conjugation Tyrosinase-catalyzed conjugation of gelatin and chito-san. Biopolymers, 64,292-302. 

---