The synthesis and lectin-binding properties of novel mannose-functionalised polymers

Abstract

We have utilised the CuAAC “click” reaction to introduce α-D-mannose functionality via a pre-polymerisation modification in order to synthesise novel water soluble, mannose-functionalised HEMA copolymers. The ability of these copolymers to bind to the mannose selective lectin Concanavalin A (Con A) has been investigated and has shown that copolymers containing a higher percentage of mannose functionalised monomer 7 could quantitatively precipitate Con A more efficiently than polymers that contained a lower percentage of mannose. Encouraged by these positive binding results, we successfully synthesised a series of novel glycohydrogels, based on the structure of the copolymers 8a–8e, which contain varying amounts of mannose. These hydrogels can potentially be developed into biocompatible biomaterials that have the ability to bind to mannose receptors.