Insights into Design of Biomimetic Glycerol-Grafted Polyol-Based Polymers for Ice Nucleation/Recrystallization Inhibition and Thermal Hysteresis Activity.

In this study we explore structural variations to polyol-based polymers to contrast with PVA as a control and we have identified several key structural elements for performance in IRI, THA, as well as in ice nucleation inhibition (INI). These structural features are bioinspired by the typical ice-binding plane of AFPs yet are surprisingly simple to produce with potency approaching that of typical AFPs. Key to the performance is positioning small organic functionalities with known anti-freeze properties (such as ethylene glycol) pendent to a host polymer chain with consideration of their conformational freedom. In order to build systematic variations into both the backbone and side-chain structures, we have used poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(isopropenyl acetate), poly(acrylic acid), and poly(methacrylic acid) parent polymers for such pendent modifications. One structure in particular, glycerol-grafted-PVA (G-g-PVA), shows potency rivaling AFPs and at similar micromolar concentration. The findings in this study help guide the rational design of synthetic antifreeze polymers useful for applications such as anti-icing coatings through to cryo-preservation methods for organ transport and cell preservation. PMID: 32820904 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Biomacromolecules - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Tags: Biomacromolecules Source Type: research