Bioorganic Nylon Polymer Peptide Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for modifying nylon polymers to introduce specific functional groups or bioactive peptides are limited in precision and control, particularly in terms of integrating bioactive residues into the polymer chain, which hinders the ability to confer desired biological properties.

Innovation Solution

A process involving the polymerization of peptidic amino-building blocks with a diacyl compound in controlled ratios, allowing for the precise integration of bioactive peptides within the nylon polymer chain, enabling fine-tuning of peptide orientation and distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If post-polymerization modification methods are used to introduce functional groups or bioactive peptides into nylon, then the nylon can be functionalized, but the precision and control of functional group integration is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of functional group integrationVSAvoidcomplexity of polymerization process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-functionalizing the monomer units with protected amino groups before polymerization. The amino groups are incorporated into the monomer structure in advance, and then deprotected after polymerization to reveal the bioactive functional groups. This approach achieves precise control of functional group integration while avoiding complex post-polymerization modification steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the functional group introduction process into distinct stages: (1) incorporation of protected amino-containing monomers during polymerization, (2) polymerization to form the nylon backbone, and (3) deprotection to reveal bioactive groups. This segmentation allows precise control of functional group placement while simplifying each individual step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If bioactive peptides are adsorbed on the nylon surface after polymerization, then the nylon gains biological activity, but the peptides are not integrated into the polymer chain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiological activity of nylonVSAvoidintegration of peptide into polymer chain
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the peptide integration and polymerization processes by incorporating amino-containing monomers directly into the polymerization reaction. This ensures that bioactive peptide sequences are covalently integrated into the polymer chain rather than merely adsorbed on the surface, achieving both reliable biological activity and precise molecular-level integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If simple amino acids are introduced into nylon scaffold, then biodegradability is improved, but peptides and precise biological properties cannot be conferred

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiodegradability of nylonVSAvoidbiological properties of nylon
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by incorporating specific amino acid residues at controlled positions within the polymer chain. Different amino acid sequences can be introduced at specific locations to confer localized biological functions such as antibacterial activity, while maintaining overall polymer biodegradability. This allows simultaneous optimization of both biodegradability and specific biological properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach results in polymers with fully integrated peptide motifs, offering enhanced biological properties and the ability to create materials with tailored physical and biological functionalities, such as antibacterial properties.

Implementation Method 1

polymerization by contacting the solution of i) with a solution containing a diacyl compound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolycondensation:

Implementation Method 2

reaction according to polycondensation with a diacyl chloride

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmide bond formation: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3387043B1Process for preparation of bioorganic nylon polymers and their use as antibacterial material
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 UNIVERSITY OF MONTPELLIER
  • EP3387043B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3387043B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3387043B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to new biopolymer, i.e. bioorganic nylons incorporating peptidic blocks obtained by a process of polymerization of amino peptidic blocks. The process of the invention comprises the steps of mixing amino peptidic blocks with or without a diaminoalcane and reacting the mixture according to polycondensation with a diacyl chloride in homogeneous or heterogeneous media.