Abstract
Programmable molecular recognition through nucleic acid base pairing has enabled applications
in nano- and biotechnology using DNA, RNA, PNA, and more recently, bifacial PNA (bPNA).
We describe herein the synthesis and DNA recognition properties of peptoid backbones
bearing the bifacial synthetic nucleobase melamine. These ‘peptoid nucleic acids’
hybridize with thymine-rich DNA, like their peptide cognate (bPNA). DNA complexation
is highly sensitive to peptoid side-chain length and overall charge. Peptoids isomeric
with peptide bPNA were less efficient at DNA recognition, possibly due to conformational
and steric differences.
1 Triazines and DNA Molecular Recognition
2 Synthesis of DNA-Binding Peptoids
3 Peptoid–DNA Binding Studies
Key words
triazine - cyanuric chloride - peptide synthesis - assembly - PNA - peptoids