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PROJECT 01-607
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Sequence
design of bioinspired copolymers with functionality on the
nano-metre scale
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July 1, 2002 – June
30, 2005
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Co-ordinator - Professor H.Tenhu
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We adopt a biomimetic approach to design sequences in synthetic copolymers.
In particular, we investigate the possibilities to obtain "protein-like"
copolymers which remain soluble in aqueous medium after transition to the
globular state. To achieve this aim, the formed globule should have a
hydrophobic core surrounded by stabilizing hydrophilic "corona". Such
nano-scale organisation can be realized experimentally
only for special copolymer sequences. Several synthetic approaches are
proposed. These approaches will be tested in the collaborative work of four
experimental and four theoretical and computer simulation groups.
The computational work will focus on the effect of the
presence of solvent or charged monomer units. The theoretical work will
deal with chemical reactions from hydrophilic to hydrophobic groups, as well
as put special emphasis on the fundamental problem of different ways of
evolution of sequences, namely "ascending" and "descending" branches of
biological evolution.
The main
aims of the project are:
1) to
undertake a detailed investigation of a number of methods to design
non-random sequences of monomer units in copolymers with special emphasis
on biomimetic approaches;
2)
to propose physical models of macromolecules
that mimick some of the most fundamental principles of functioning of
biopolymers on the nano-metre scale and to
investigate the possibilities to
obtain synthetic polymers that possess some of the functional properties
of biopolymers;
3) to
formulate and apply various new methods for the synthesis
of copolymers with sophisticated functional properties;
4) to
to carry over
theoretical ideas for the synthesis of functional macromolecules to the
chemical laboratory.
We hope that these studies will permit
to shed light on understanding the principles of
evolution of sequences of biological macromolecules at early stages of
this evolution.
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 Eight research teams
(three from INTAS members and five from Russia) will be involved in the project.
Different synthetic and experimental techniques (free-radical
polymerization,
dynamic light scattering, thermoturbidimetry, NMR spectroscopy,
high-sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry etc.) will be used.
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Professor
Heikki Tenhu
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University of Helsinki, Department of Chemistry,
Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry,
FIN-00014 Helsinki
FINLAND
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Professor
Gerard Fleer
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Wageningen University
Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Colloid Science
6703 HB Wageningen
THE NETHERLANDS
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Priv.Doz. Dr.
Wolfgang Paul
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University of Mainz,
Institute of Physics,
55099 Mainz
GERMANY
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Professor
Alexei
Khokhlov
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Chair of
Polymer and Crystal Physics
Physics
Department
Moscow State University
Vorobyovy Gory, 117234 Moscow
RUSSIA
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Professor
Pavel Khalatur
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Tver State University,
Department of Physical Chemistry,
Sadovy per. 35, 170002 Tver
RUSSIA
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Professor
Semion
Kuchanov
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Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics,
Laboratory of Mathematical Modeling,
Polymer modeling group,
Miusskaya Square 4, 125047 Moscow
RUSSIA
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Professor
Vladimir Lozinsky
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A.N.Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds,
Laboratory of Cryochemistry of (Bio)Polymers,
Vavilov St. 28, 119991 Moscow,
RUSSIA
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Professor
Valerii Grinberg
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N.M.Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics,
Laboratory of Protein Systems,
Vavilov St. 28, 119991 Moscow,
RUSSIA
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A.V.Chertovich, V.A.Ivanov, B.G.Zavin, A.R.Khokhlov,
Conformation-Dependent Sequence Design of HP-Copolymers:
an Algorithm Based on Sequential Modification of Monomer
Units, Macromol.Theory Simul., v.11, p.751 (2002).
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