# Effective RNA Complexation by [2]Catenanes Confers Enhanced Resistance to Enzymatic Degradation

## TL;DR

Researchers created [2]catenanes that protect siRNA from being broken down by enzymes, which could improve RNA-based therapies.

## Contribution

The study introduces [2]catenanes with arginine residues that are stable against proteases and effective at siRNA complexation.

## Key findings

- Cationic [2]catenanes resist proteolytic degradation and bind siRNA effectively.
- The mechanical bond in [2]catenanes enhances their ability to protect siRNA from nucleases.
- Multivalency and preorganization in the [2]catenanes improve RNA complexation.

## Abstract

Cationic [2]catenanes bearing
l
‐arginine residues were synthesized via dynamic covalent self‐assembly in water. These peptide‐based mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) exhibit proteolytic stability, efficiently complex small‐interfering RNA (siRNA), and protect it from nuclease degradation. Their performance in siRNA binding is attributed to multivalency and preorganization enforced by the mechanical bond.

Peptide‐based cationic [2]catenanes are resistant to proteases and efficiently complex siRNA, providing protection from degradation by nucleases.