Topology-Dependent Antifreeze Properties of Biomimetic Linear and Star-Shaped Peptoids

TL;DR

Researchers designed peptoids inspired by antifreeze proteins and found that star-shaped versions are more effective and less toxic for cryopreservation.

Contribution

The study introduces star-shaped peptoids as a novel, non-toxic alternative to traditional cryoprotectants.

Findings

Star-shaped peptoids showed better ice recrystallization inhibition than linear ones.

S-(A6)3 peptoid exhibited strong antifreeze activity and low cytotoxicity.

Chain length and topology significantly influence antifreeze properties of peptoids.

Abstract

Developing safe and efficient cryoprotectants is critical for effective cryopreservation in biomedical applications. Inspired by natural antifreeze proteins (AFPs), a series of linear and star-shaped peptoids featuring isopropanol side chains to mimic the amphiphilic characteristics of threonine were prepared. The effects of chain length and molecular topology on antifreeze properties were systematically investigated. Both ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI) and ice crystal growth suppression improved with increasing chain length, and star-shaped peptoids exhibited superior performance. Notably, the star-shaped peptoid S-(A6)3 demonstrated excellent antifreeze activity and low cytotoxicity, highlighting its promise as a novel, non-toxic alternative to conventional cryoprotectants like DMSO. These findings provide valuable insight into the structure-property relationship of peptoids for cryopreservation applications.

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