title: Synthetic Random Copolymers as a Molecular Platform To Mimic Host-Defense Antimicrobial Peptides.
abstract: Synthetic polymers have been used as a molecular platform to develop host-defense antimicrobial peptide (AMP) mimetics which are effective in killing drug-resistant bacteria. In this topical review, we will discuss the AMP-mimetic design and chemical optimization strategies as well as the biological and biophysical implications of AMP mimicry by synthetic polymers. Traditionally, synthetic polymers have been used as a chemical means to replicate the chemical functionalities and physicochemical properties of AMPs (e.g., cationic charge, hydrophobicity) to recapitulate their mode of action. However, we propose a new perception that AMP-mimetic polymers are an inherently bioactive platform as whole molecules, which mimic more than the side chain functionalities of AMPs. The tunable nature and chemical simplicity of synthetic random polymers facilitate the development of potent, cost-effective, broad-spectrum antimicrobials. The polymer-based approach offers the potential for many antimicrobial applications to be used directly in solution or attached to surfaces to fight against drug-resistant bacteria.
authors.affiliation: Center for International Research on Integrative Biomedical Systems, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo , Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan.
authors.forename: Haruko
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Takahashi
authors.forename: Gregory A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Caputo
authors.affiliation: The Institute of Mathematical Sciences , C.I.T. Campus, Taramani, Chennai, 600113, India.
authors.forename: Satyavani
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vemparala
authors.affiliation: Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.
authors.forename: Kenichi
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-2935-8351
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kuroda
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects*; D032701:Biomimetics; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; D011108:Polymers