Rotaxanes as peptide carriers
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Date
2010Author
Viterisi, Aurélien
Metadata
Abstract
Based on the concept of covalent capture of supramolecular assemblies, the idea of
mechanical encapsulation is exploited for the protection and delivery of peptidebased
molecules. This thesis aims to establish a general method for the encapsulation
of peptides within a rotaxane structure, as well as studying their mode of release
under specific stimuli. The synthesis of such structures, relying on the elongation of
short peptido[2]rotaxanes, is applied to the design of rotaxane peptide carriers whose
function is to protect against biological degradation and release peptides under a
biological stimulus. These molecules are composed of a rotaxane-encapsulated
peptide bearing a biodegradable stopper, the enzyme-specific cleavage of which
triggers peptide release, via ‘dethreading’.
The synthesis and in vitro assessment of rotaxane carriers as agents for anti-cancer
therapy will be described in detail. The future challenges and potential applications
of the proposed systems will be addressed.