RNA–Polymer Conjugates via Direct Incorporation of the Chain Transfer Agent and PET–RAFT Polymerization
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Covalent conjugation of RNA with synthetic polymers has emerged as a powerful approach for creating bioconjugates with synergistically enhanced properties. However, conventional methods require solid-phase synthesis to preinstall functional groups in RNA, significantly limiting practical applications. Here, we present a novel approach for synthesizing RNA-polymer conjugates via direct incorporation of chain transfer agent (CTA) into RNA through acylation chemistry and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. A CTA-functionalized acyl imidazole reagent was synthesized to facilitate direct and covalent modification of various RNAs by reacting with their 2'-hydroxyl groups. Subsequent RAFT polymerization using RNA-CTA as a macro-CTA enabled direct grafting-from RNA, yielding RNA conjugates with controlled molecular weight and low dispersity. Notably, this postsynthetic modification strategy was successfully extended to modify biomass RNA, yielding thermoresponsive conjugates and biodegradable hydrogels. Overall, this advance allowed for the direct modification of synthetic and biomass RNAs, significantly enhancing the accessibility of functional RNA-polymer materials.
Source: Biomacromolecules
Institution: Carnegie Mellon University
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
OpenAlex ID: W4413616783