Peptide-induced RAFT polymerization via an amyloid-β17–20-based chain transfer agent

Abstract

We here describe the synthesis of a novel peptide/polymer–conjugate, embedding the amyloid-β (Aβ) protein core sequence Leu-Val-Phe-Phe (LVFF, Aβ_17–20) via RAFT polymerization. Based on a novel chain transfer-agent, the “grafting-from” approach effectively generates the well-defined peptide–polymer conjugates with appreciably high monomer conversion rate, resulting in mechanically stiffer peptide-functional cross-linked polymeric hydrogels.