A Versatile, Modular Platform for Multivalent Peptide Ligands Based on a Dendritic Wedge

Abstract

Abstract A general methodology for the synthesis of multifunctional AB 2 , AB 3 , AB 4 , and AB 5 dendritic wedges is described based on an orthogonal protection strategy. Asymmetric polyamide dendrons that possess N‐terminal cysteine residues at the periphery were quantitatively functionalized with C‐terminal thioester peptides using native chemical ligation. Conjugation of biologically relevant groups at the focal point resulted in a series of related structures with a highly controlled valency (2–5) that can directly be used in a systematic study on the strength of multivalent interactions. Using our modular approach various ligands, functional groups and spacers can readily be combined in order to generate a toolbox for the development of smart biomaterials used in molecular medicine and imaging.