Site-Selective Polysaccharide Modification via Aniline-Catalyzed Oxime Formation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for modifying polysaccharides often result in random chemical modifications, which can improve certain properties but compromise others. These methods often require excess coupling partners, long reaction times, and harsh conditions, limiting their scope and applicability.

Innovation Solution

The development of aniline-catalyzed oxime formation for selective modification of polysaccharides at their reducing end, using functionalized peptides with an oxime group, allows for efficient and site-selective conjugation of polysaccharides, such as dextran, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and alginate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If random chemical modification methods are used to modify polysaccharides, then certain properties can be improved, but other properties are compromised and the inherent physical properties of the polysaccharide are altered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproperty optimizationVSAvoidinherent physical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by targeting only the reducing end of polysaccharide chains for modification, while leaving the rest of the polymer structure unchanged. This is achieved through chemoselective reactions with terminal carbonyl groups, allowing property optimization at specific locations without compromising the overall inherent physical properties of the polysaccharide bulk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If selective modification methods are used to preserve inherent properties, then reaction conditions become harsh and reaction times are prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinherent physical propertiesVSAvoidreaction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes parameter changes by exploiting the pH-dependent equilibrium between cyclic hemiacetal and open-chain aldehyde forms of the reducing end. By conducting reactions at controlled pH levels (4-7), the method increases the population of reactive aldehyde forms without requiring harsh conditions, thereby achieving selective modification within 1-24 hours rather than prolonged reaction times

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If excess coupling partners are used to achieve selective modification, then modification efficiency improves, but cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveselectivityVSAvoidcoupling partner amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies self-service by utilizing the inherent reactivity difference between terminal carbonyl groups and internal hydroxyl groups. The chemoselective chemistry allows the polysaccharide itself to direct the modification to the reducing end without requiring excess coupling agents or complex protecting group strategies, thereby achieving high selectivity with stoichiometric or near-stoichiometric amounts of reagents

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables the creation of modified polysaccharides with enhanced physical and functional properties, such as improved cell adhesion and hydrogel stability, while preserving the inherent properties of the natural polysaccharides.

Implementation Method 1

Oxime chemistry has emerged as a powerful tool for the chemoselective conjugation of polysaccharides, owing to the high reactivity of the aminoxy functionality with the aldehyde group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxime formation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

This approach involves condensations via imine and oxime-forming reactions carried out on the terminal aldehyde

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

The urgent need of efficient bioconjugation chemistry to modify macromolecules prompted the development of aniline and its derivatives as nucleophilic catalysts for rapid oxime formation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 4

These catalysts enable the generation of a more populated protonated aniline Schiff base from the less populated carbonyl group and subsequent transimination with nucleophilic oxyamine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTransimination: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 5

Alginate is an anionic polysaccharide composed of uronic acids (guluronic (G) and mannuronic (M) acids) that undergoes gelation in the presence of bivalent cations, such as Ca 2+

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonic cross-linking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 6

alginate hydrogels are widely used in tissue engineering as the ionically cross-linked hydrogel to maintain cell viability and function

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGelation: Gel

Data Source

PatentEP3149026B1Site-selective modification of polysaccharides and applications thereof
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 BG NEGEV TECHNOLOGIES & APPLICATIONS LTD
  • EP3149026B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3149026B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3149026B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~2D

AI summary

The present invention relates to site-selective modification of polysaccharides at their reducing end by conjugation with a single aminoxy-Regioselective Addressable Functionalized Template (RAFT) peptide.