The foci of this research are threefold. First, methods will be devised for the practical, asymmetric synthesis of beta-amino acids. Second, the thermodynamics of L+2 helix formation in aqueous solution will be determined. Third, beta-peptides that fold into well-defined tertiary and quaternary structures in aqueous solution will be constructed. These studies will represent a significant step towards design of a variety of advanced polymers with predetermined shapes and functional properties.
With this Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program and the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities of the Mathematics and Physical Sciences Directorate are supporting the research of Dr. William F. DeGrado of the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Mark A. Scialdone of the Biochemical Sciences and Engineering DuPont Life Sciences Enterprise. The goal of the research is to design and study non-biological polymers that fold into unique three-dimensional structures. Specifically, chains of beta-amino acids will be designed that fold, in water, to give not only predetermined secondary structures, but also tertiary and quaternary structures. The work has broad implications for the preparation of new materials of interest to materials science and to the pharmaceutical industry. Further, the research provides an exciting training opportunity for postdoctoral researchers since the participants will gain both academic and industrial experience.
