Denatured alcohol polymer

Proteins are often stabilized by low concentrations of simple alcohols or ketones76 and by higher concentrations of polyhydroxy alcohols, such as glycerol77 and sucrose,78 and also by certain inert, synthetic polymers such as polyethyleneglycol (PEG).79 The latter is a widely used precipitant. The polyhydroxy-alcohols and PEG are all hydrated but tend not to interact strongly with the protein molecules. On the other hand, simple alcohols may denature proteins by their interaction with nonpolar regions.77... 

It is well known that a particular conformation of a biopolymer maintains its stability only in aqueous solutions. Addition of, say, 20% alcohol causes a conformational change which eventually leads to the process of denaturation. The latter is a very complex process and Involves the combination of many factors such as hydrogen bonding, ionic interaction, and van der Waals interaction between the various residues of the polymer. It has been conjectured that the tendency of the nonpolar groups (such as methyl or ethyl groups attached to the amino acids) to avoid the aqueous environment is one of the major reasons for the stabilization of the native conformation of the biopolymer. This is shown schematically in the first process depicted in Fig. 8.1. Here, we stress an extreme example where the polymer is folded in such a way that the side-chain nonpolar groups are completely removed from the aqueous medium and transferred to the interior of the polymer, where they are exposed to an environment similar to that of a typical nonpolar solvent. 

Common alcohols are used as solvents, denaturing agents, chemical feedstocks, and in antifreeze preparations. Ethanol is the intoxicating ingredient in alcoholic beverages. Propane-1,2,3,-triol (glycerol) is used to make polymers, cosmetic emollients, and sweeteners. 

Journal of Applied Polymer Science 84, No.6, 9th May 2002, 1178-84 PREPARATION OF CHEMICALLY CROSSLINKED GELS WITH MALEATE-DENATURED POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) AND ITS APPLICATION TO DRUG RELEASE Horiike S Matsuzawa S Yamaura K Shinshu,University at Ueda... 

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