The Maynard Group performs cutting-edge research on polymer bioconjugates and protein nanoarrays and educates the next generation of researchers and leaders in organic chemistry, polymer science, nanotechnology, and biomedicine.

Latest Publication
Synthesis of Photodegradable Macromers for Conjugation and Release of Bioactive Molecules

Griffin, D. R.; Schlosser, J. L.; Lam, S. F.; Nguyen, T. H.; Maynard, H. D.; Kasko, A. M., “Synthesis of Photodegradable Macromers for Conjugation and Release of Bioactive Molecules,” Biomacromolecules, 2013, 14, 1199-1207. [LINK]

Hydrogel scaffolds are used in biomedicine to study cell differentiation and tissue evolution, where it is critical to control the delivery of chemical cues both spatially and temporally. While large molecules can be physically entrapped in a hydrogel, moderate molecular weight therapeutics must be tethered to the hydrogel network through a labile linkage to allow controlled release. In this paper is reported the synthesis of a library of polymerizableortho-nitrobenzyl (o-NB) macromers with different functionalities at the benzylic position (alcohol, amine, BOC-amine, halide, acrylate, carboxylic acid, activated disulfide, N-hydroxysuccinyl ester, biotin). This library of polymerizable macromers containing o-NB groups should allow direct conjugation of nearly any type of therapeutic agent and its subsequent controlled photorelease from a hydrogel network.  As a proof-of-concept, phenylalanine, a cell-adhesive peptide (GCGYGRGDSPG), a protein that exhibits enzymatic activity (bovine serum albumin), and a growth factor (transforming growth factor-β1) were incorporated into the hydrogels.  Their release was controlled with light, and verification the bioactivity of the photoreleased molecules was demonstrated.  This versatile approach can be used to sequester peptides and proteins into hydrogel depots and release them in an externally controlled, predictable manner without compromising biological function.  

• May 2013: Peter N. receives Dean's Prize for best poster
• May 2013: Natalie receives Biotechnology Training Fellowship
• May 2013: Jonghan receives an Overseas Research Fellowship
• April 2013: Maltish receives CARE Fellowship
• April 2013: Steevens' Macro Rapid paper highlighted by MaterialsViews
  
• March 2013: Dr. Steevens Alconcel receives his Ph. D.
  
• February 2013: Kathy and Caitlin's paper in Nature Chem is featured by 27 journals, newspapers, and webpages
  
• Februrary 2013: Heather selected as 2013 POLY Fellow Awardee
  
• January 2013: Heather elected to Editorial Board of Polymer Chemistry and Bioconjugate Chemistry Editorial Advisory Board
• November 2012: June receives Hanson Dow Teaching Award

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Last Updated: 8 April 2013