Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy

We are a young research group located in the research building SupraFAB working at the interface of organic, macromolecular and biological chemistry. Our goal is the development of tailor-made oligo- and polymers with defined charged sequences that interact with relevant biomolecules or biosystems - especially cell membranes and glycosaminoglycans that can be present both on cell surfaces or as signaling molecules in solution. Inspired by simple organic reactions as well as techniques from polymer and peptide chemistry, we want to generate sequence-defined, charged, multifunctional synthetic structures and study their interactions with mentioned biosystems, unraveling structure-activity relationships on a level of detail that is not possible using conventional, polydisperse polymers.

At the moment, our research focuses on the generation of linear polycationic macromolecules that selectively interact with the cell envelopes of certain bacteria while exhibiting low cytotoxicity towards eukaryotic cells. Such compounds are promising candidates as novel antibiotics that are both selective and exhibit a low tendency to trigger resistance development. Further, we are interested in the interactions of our compounds with blood components and the anticoagulation agent heparin in order to improve heparin reversal agents.

Using toolbox-like synthesis approaches, we want to combine cationic, bioinert and targeting motives to tailor our macromolecules to their specific purpose.

Current projects include:

• Development of synthetic pathways based on iterative exponential growth (IEG) towards cationic and bioinert oligomeric blocks that can be combined in the desired number and order.
• Stepwise synthesis of ABA-type macromolecules with a charged middle block.
• Depolymerization of GAGs to obtain building blocks for tailored glycosurfactants.
• Synthesis of polymer gels for the separation of blood components.

If you want to know more, contact johanna.elter@fu-berlin.de!