Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of: Pharmaceutical Technology Consultant: PharmDr. Ondřej Holas, Ph.D. Student: Michaela Šitnerová Title of Thesis: Protein macromolecules immobilization onto polymer carriers Enzymes are unique biocatalysts because of their properties. They are highly specific, selective and functional even under mild reaction conditions. The method of immobilization is used to increase their operational stability, activity and possible reuse. This process allows the wide use of enzymes in industry, for example in the food industry, analytical chemistry, chemical synthesis and in the pharmaceutical industry. The aim of my thesis was immobilized enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) on the surface pellets of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Used method was simple sorption, immobilization using glutaraldehyde, and TEMPO oxidation using MCC. Well known Ellman's method served to measure the activity of AChE. The absorbance of the solution with the immobilized AChE was measured spectrophotometrically at 412 nm.

This research explores the links between the structure and dissociation energetics of ionized non-covalent complexes. In chapter 3, a large series of similar non-covalent complexes were probed using electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) and RRKM modelling in order to identify any trends in the dissociation energetics based on charge state, overall size of the complex, or size of the substrate. Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) in conjunction with molecular mechanics/molecular dynamics (MM/MD) was used to study the conformations of these non-covalent complexes in order to determine if the same trends identified in the energetics could be corroborated independently based on structure. The system of study consisted of varying lengths of the synthetic polymer, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) complexed with singly or doubly protonated diaminoalkanes (DAA) of varying length. The critical energies of dissociation (E0) increased as the length of the polymer increased and was not significantly affected by the length of the singly protonated DAA substrates. The E0 of dissociation of doubly protonated complexes was strongly influenced by the length of the DAA; longer DAA substrates had greater separation of charge which decreased coulombic repulsion within the complex resulting in higher E0 values. MM/MD low energy structures of all complexes were validated with experimental IMS measurements and showed that the arrangement between the polymer and DAA were similar for different singly protonated DAAs. When doubly protonated, the length of DAA was the most important factor in determining the overall structure of the complex. In chapter 4, a direct link is shown between the observed E0 dissociation energies and the molecular conformations for eight different peptide–saccharide complexes containing either a tri-saccharide (d-(+)-raffinose and d-panose) or tetra-saccharide (stachyose and maltotetraose) with a small peptide (FLEEL and FLEEV). The E0 values were highly related to the overall conformation adopted by the non-covalent complex in the gas phase. Complexes containing peptide FLEE(L/V) with the tri-saccharide raffinose or panose had similar E0 of dissociation (∼0.64 eV) and similar conformations based on MM/MD simulations and IMS drift times. Conversely, for complexes containing a FLEE(L/V) peptide with one of the isomeric tetra-saccharides; stachyose had a E0 ∼0.08 eV greater than maltotetraose. This difference of intermolecular interaction was also reflected by the IMS drift times; maltotetraose in complex with FLEEV or FLEEL had a 5.9% and 2.3% faster IMS drift time than stachyose respectively. This indicated that the molecular arrangement between maltotetraose and the peptides was more compact than the stachyose-peptide complexes. In chapter 5, RRKM modelling of breakdown diagrams is not possible when the reactant ion signal is overlapped by other isobaric species. Trimeric, non-covalent complexes that contained two PMMA molecules and a doubly protonated DAA, [(PMMAa)(DAA+2H)(PMMAb)]+2, have m/z signals that contain multiple different complexes having the same total number of polymer repeat units but differ in the length of the each polymer. In this situation, the applicability of using the simple kinetic method to gain insight into relative binding energies was explored. The major factors which determined the suitability of the kinetic method for this system were identified as the structural arrangement of the reactant ion complex, possible reverse activation barriers, and the evaluations of Δ(ΔS‡). MM/MD simulations coupled with IMS suggests that within the reactant ion, the DAA is almost equally shared between two PMMA oligomers and that the two PMMA oligomers interact predominately with the DAA, and not with each other. MS/MS of the trimeric reactant complexes proceeds by neutral loss of one polymer and is suggested to proceed with little or no reverse activation barrier based on the low coulombic repulsion factors. The IMS drift times of [(PMMAa)(DAA+2H)]+2 complexes that were generated directly by ESI-MS or by dissociation of a trimeric, [(PMMAa)(DAA+2H)(PMMAb)]+2 complex were found to be identical. This provides some evidence that Δ(ΔS‡) ≈ Δ(ΔS) and using a statistical mechanics approach, Δ(ΔS) ≈ 0. The effective temperature (Teff) variable in the kinetic method expression was found to decrease as a function of the size of the trimeric complex, suggesting that the population distribution of the dissociating ensemble of complexes narrows as size increases. Overall, when RRKM fitting is not possible, the simple kinetic method could provide relative energetic ranking of competing dissociations reactions however the Teff term contributed to the greatest uncertainty in obtaining absolute quantities. Fitting MS/MS breakdown diagrams of non-covalent complexes with multiple dissociation channels is difficult due to the number of total fitting variables. Building from the simple kinetic method, chapter 6 shows that the relationship between the natural logarithm of competing fragment ions and reciprocal collision energy yields a branching relationship that allows for the sign of Δ(ΔS‡) and Δ(E0) between the channels to be obtained. Furthermore, the relationships between the fitting variables of RRKM modelling are empirically related to the theoretical branching relationship characteristics. This allowed for the fitting variables of all dissociation channels to be expressed as a function of a single channel so that the theoretical branching relationship matches the experimental branching relationship. Using this method, RRKM fitting of a MS/MS breakdown diagram for APCI ionized anthracene determined the E0 and ∆S‡ was 4.69 ± 0.29 eV and -3 ± 17 J K-1; 4.21 ±0.29 eV and -19 ±15 J K-1; and 4.81 ± 0.29 eV and 36 ±22 J K-1 for hydrogen loss, acetylene loss and diacetylene loss respectively. With one exception, these values are within experimental error of the iPEPICO derived energetic values. In chapter 7, MS/MS of ammoniated triacylglycerides at multiple collision energies and computational analysis are used to explain the cause of uneven dissociation rates of the FAs from different positions on the glycerol backbone. The loss of sn-1 and sn-3 FAs are found to have lower activation energies than the loss of the sn-2 position FA, however the loss of the FA from the sn-2 position is more entropically favourable. Theoretical MS/MS breakdown curves were fit to experimental values using RRKM theory to estimate the E0 of dissociation of FAs from the three glycerol positions. The E0 values for cleavage from the sn-1 and sn-3 positions were found to be approximately 1.52 eV, while that for the sn-2 position was highly dependent on the identity of the FA at that position. Computational structures and energy analysis suggest that an important step in the dissociation of [TAG+NH4]+ is the loss of ammonia. In a model system, glyceryl tributyrate, the loss of NH3 produced two distinct [TAG+H]+ product structures sitting 148 kJ and 160 kJ in energy above the ammoniated structure. The [TAG+H]+ structure that leads to the loss of the sn-1(3) is 12 kJ lower than the [TAG+H]+ structure that leads to the loss of the sn-2 FA. From this, the loss of a neutral FA that follows sits only an additional 35–48 kJ above the [TAG+H]+ structures. In Chapter 8, singly deprotonated β-cyclodextrin monomers, [(β-CD-H+]-1, and doubly deprotonated dimers, [(β-CD)2-2H+]-2, are both present following ESI-MS and have the same monoisotopic m/z. Similar to chapter 5, this makes it difficult to generate an MS/MS breakdown diagrams that can be modelled with RRKM theory. IMS was used to mobility separate [(β-CD-H+]-1 and [(β-CD)2-2H+]-2 and was followed by MS/MS of the [(β-CycD)2-2H+]-2 ion. A second problem when generating a MS/MS breakdown diagram of non-covalent complexes that contain identical components is that the fragment ions could have an identical monoisotopic m/z as the reactant ion. MS/MS of [(β-CycD)2-2H+]-2 results in two [(β-CD-H+]-1 fragments. To overcome this, breakdown diagrams were then generated by monitoring the changes in the isotopic profile. The RRKM derived E0 for dissociation of [(β-CycD)2-H+]-1 and [(β-CycD)2-2H+]-2 were 1.85 ± 0.11eV and 1.79 ± 0.09eV, respectively, corresponding to a slight decrease in complex stability due to increased charge-charge repulsion in the dianion.

Non-covalent bonds are an important class of intermolecular interactions, which result in the ordering of atoms and molecules on the supramolecular scale. One such type of interaction is brought about by the bond formation between a region of positive electrostatic potential (σ-hole) interacts and a Lewis base. Previously, the halogen bond has been extensively studied as an example of a σ-hole interaction, where the halogen atom acts as the bond donor. Similarly, carbon, and the other tetrel elements can participate in σ-hole bonds. This thesis explores the nature of the carbon tetrel bond through the use of computational chemistry and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The results of calculations of interaction energies and NMR parameters are reported for a series of model compounds exhibiting tetrel bonding from a methyl carbon to the oxygen and nitrogen atoms in a range of functional groups. The ¹³C chemical shift (𝛿iso) and the ¹ᶜ𝐽(¹³C,¹⁷O/¹⁵N) coupling across the tetrel bond are recorded as a function of geometry. The sensitivity of the NMR parameters to the non-covalent interaction is demonstrated via an increase in 𝛿iso and in |¹ᶜ𝐽(¹³C,¹⁷O/¹⁵N)| as the tetrel bond strengthens. There is no direct correlation between the NMR trends and the interaction energy curves; the energy minimum does not appear to correspond to a maximum or minimum chemical shift or J-coupling value. Gauge-including projector-augmented wave density functional theory (DFT) calculations of 𝛿iso are reported for crystals which exhibit tetrel bonding in the solid state. Experimental 𝛿iso values for sarcosine, betaine and caffeine and their tetrel-bonded salts generally corroborate the computational findings. This work offers new insights into tetrel bonding and facilitates the incorporation of tetrel bonds as restraints in NMR crystallographic structure refinement.

Ce travail décrit la synthèse, les propriétés et la réactivité de cages moléculaires covalentes composées de deux porphyrines, synthétisées avec succès par effet template du DABCO, par CuAAC introduisant des sites périphériques triazoles permettant de contrôler la taille de la cavité grâce à différents stimuli chimiques. Ces cages se composent de porphyrines base libre ou métallées au zinc(II), à l’aluminium(III) ou au cobalt(III). La coordination réversible d’ions Ag(I) ou Cu(I) aux triazoles des cages moléculaires permet de passer d’une conformation aplatie à une conformation ouverte. La protonation des sites basiques permet l’ouverture maximale de la cage. Concernant leur réactivité, les cages aux porphyrines d’Al(III) permettent de catalyser la méthanolyse d’un triester de phosphate. Les cages aux porphyrines de Co(III) catalysent la synthèse de carbonates cycliques à partir d’époxyde et de CO2, sans formation de polycarbonates et avec une conversion totale en présence de pyridine comme co-catalyseur. Les cages bis-porphyriniques ont démontré dans ces réactions, une activité catalytique supérieure à celle des métalloporphyrines de référence. / This work describes the synthesis, properties and reactivity of porphyrinic molecular cages. The successful synthesis of these covalent cages relies on a DABCO-CuAAC templated reaction, which enables to introduce triazole as peripheral binding sites. These cages incorporate either two free base porphyrins or zinc(II), aluminium(III) or cobalt(III) metalloporphyrins. Reversible coordination of Ag(I) or Cu(I) ions to the triazoles of the cages allows to control the cavity size and to switch between a flattened and an opened conformation. Protonation of the basic sites of the cage leads to its maximal expansion. Cages with Al(III) porphyrins have shown to act as catalyst in the phosphate triester methanolysis reaction. Cages with Co(III) porphyrins catalyze the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxide without formation of polycarbonate and with total conversion upon addition of pyridine as co-catalyst. In these reactions, the bis-porphyrinic cages have shown to behave as more efficient catalysts than the metalloporphyrin monomers used as reference.

Cette thèse est développée en 3 chapitres. Le premier chapitre décrit un travail d’ethnopharmacologie dans deux communautés de métis de l’Amazonie péruvienne. Les résultats montrent un inventaire de 46 plantes regroupées en fonction de leurs utilisations et préparations traditionnelles. Les activités in vitro contre trois parasites (Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania donovani, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense) et leur cytotoxicité sont rapportées. Parmi toutes ces plantes Grias neuberthii (Lecythidaceae) et Costus curvibracteatus (Costaceae) ont montré une forte activité antiparasitaire, associé à une forte cytotoxicité pour C. curvibracteatus.Le deuxième chapitre décrit l’exploration, par spectrométrie de masse (SM) dans un milieu biomimétique reproduisant la vacuole digestive de Plasmodium (VDP), des liaisons intermoléculaires formé entre l’hème et des ligands. Les résultats pour des ligands de la famille des méthoxyflavones suggèrent qu’il n’existe pas de relation positive entre la stabilité de la liaison à l’hème et l’activité biologique contre deux souches de P. falciparum (3D7 et W2). Une corrélation est suggérée entre la présence d’une substitution méthoxylé en R5 de la flavone, la liaison à l’hème et l’hydrophobicité (cLogP). Cette relation peut s’expliquer en partie par l’influence des liaisons hydrogène avec le du groupe carbonyle. Des analyses d’arrimage moléculaire ont été aussi développées dans le but de comprendre les forces électrostatiques impliquées dans cette liaison. Le même type d’étude a été appliquée à des sondes fluorescentes originales dérivées de l’artémisinine (ART). La stabilité évaluée par CID montre des similitudes de comportement vis-à-vis de l’hème entre une des sonde et l’ART. La stabilité de trois sondes en différentes conditions mimant la biologie de Plasmodium a été évaluée.Le troisième chapitre détaille le développement d’une méthode de biodéréplication d’extraits bruts, en utilisant la méthodologie de liaison à l’hème par SM. La plante Piper coruscans (Piperaceae) a été utilisée pour l’application. La visualisation des adduits formés par SM a été faite de manière rapide par l’intermédiaire de réseaux moléculaires L’isolement des produits ciblés a été faite avec la chromatographie de partage liquide et chromatographie liquide préparative en un ou deux étapes. Treize molécules ont été isolées dont dix produits déjà connus dans la littérature : six flavanones, trois chalcones, un alkylamide; une indanone isolée pour la première fois comme produit naturel, et deux produits naturels nouveaux : une kavalactone et un dérivé de l’acide cinnamique. Parmi toutes ces molécules, une chalcone valide l’activité biologique de la plante et montre une liaison intermédiaire avec l’hème. / This work is developed in 3 chapters. The first chapter describes an ethopharmacological work in two Mestizos communities from Peruvian Amazonia. Results include an inventory of 46 plants grouped according to their uses and traditional preparations. In vitro activities on three parasites (Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania donovani, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense) and their cytotoxicity are reported. Among all these plants Grias neuberthii (Lecythidaceae) and Costus curvibracteatus (Costaceae) showed a strong antiparasitic activity, associated with a strong cytotoxicity for C. curvibracteatus.The second chapter describes the exploration by mass spectrometry (MS) in a biomimetic environment mimicking the digestive vacuole of Plasmodium (DVP), the intermolecular bond between heme and ligands. Results for methoxyflavones suggested that there is no positive relation between the stability of the heme adduct and the biological activity on two P. falciparum strains (3D7 and W2). A correlation was suggested between the presence of a methoxy substitution in R5 of the flavone, heme binding and hydrophobicity (cLogP). This relation could be partially explained by the influence of the carbonyl group on hydrogen bounding. Docking analyses were performed to understand the electrostatic forces involved in the binding. The same kind of study was applied on original fluorescent probes based on artemisinin skeleton (ART). Stability of the heme adduct with the probes, evaluated by CID, showed similarities with ART. Stability of three probes in different conditions mimicking Plasmodium biology were evaluated.The third chapter presents the development of a crude extract biodereplication method, using heme-binding methodology by MS. The plant Piper coruscans (Piperaceae) was selected for this application. MSMS adducts visualization was performed by molecular networking. Targeted products were isolated by centrifugal partition chromatography or preparative liquid chromatography, in one or two steps. Thirteen molecules were isolated, including ten already known products: six flavanones, three chalcones, one alkylamide, one indanone isolated for the first time like a natural product and two new coumpounds: one kavalactone and one cinnamic acid derivative. Among all these molecules, a chalcone validated the biological activity of the plant and showed an intermolecular bound with heme.

Intermolecular Interactions in Proteins - Abstract Mgr. Jiří Kysilka Non-covalent interactions are responsible for the protein folding and the molecular recognition during the protein interaction with other molecules, including various ligands, other proteins and solvent molecules. In order to understand these processes, exhibited by protein molecules, a proper description of non-covalent interactions is needful. Most methods that are computationally available for the systems of biological interest have difficulties handling with the dispersion term. In this thesis, a density functional theory / coupled clusters (DFT/CC) correction scheme is utilized for a set of small molecules, interacting with a graphitic surface. The results serve as a benchmark for the interaction of the functional groups of proteins with hydrophobic environment. In the following part of this thesis, the role of non-covalent interactions in proteins was studied for the processes of protein-protein interaction and protein hydration. Interaction interfaces has been localized in a set of 69 protein dimers and their composition has been characterized. Interfaces has been shown to prefer branched-chain hydrophobic amino acids (Ile, Leu, Val), aromatic amino acids (Phe, Tyr) and exclude the charged amino acids except of Arg. It was...

Two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs) with covalently bonded repeat units and crystalline, porous framework backbones have attracted immense attention since the first 2D COFs were reported by Yaghi’s group in 2005. The extended single-layer structures of 2D COFs are also generally considered to be the 2D polymers. The precise incorporation of molecular building blocks into ordered frameworks enables the synthesis of novel organic materials with designable and predictable properties for specific applications, such as in optoelectronics, energy storage, and conversion. In particular, the 2D π-conjugated COFs (2D-c-COFs) represent a unique class of 2D conjugated polymers that have 2D molecular-periodic structures with extended in-plane π-conjugations. In the 2D-c-COFs, the conjugated skeletons and π–π stacking interactions can provide the pathways for electron transport, while the porous channel can enable the loading of active sites for catalysis and sensing. Thus far, the synthesis of 2D-c-COFs has been mostly limited to Schiff base chemistry based on the condensation reaction between amine and aldehyde/ketone monomers because the construction of 2D COFs as thermodynamically controlled products generally requires a highly reversible reaction for error-correction processes. However, the high reversibility of imine linkages would conversely endow moderate π-electron delocalization due to the polarized carbon–nitrogen bonds and poor stability against strong acids/bases. To achieve robust and highly conjugated 2D-c-COFs, a series of synthesis strategies have been developed, including a one-step reversible reaction with a bond-forming–bond braking–bond reforming function, a quasi-reversible reaction combing reversible and irreversible processes, and postmodifications converting labile bonds to a robust linkage. Among all of the reported 2D-c-COFs, vinylene-linked (also sp2-carbon-linked) 2D covalent organic frameworks (V-2D-COFs) with high in-plane π-conjugation have attracted increasing interest after we reported the first V-2D-COFs via a Knoevenagel polycondensation in 2016. Although C═C bonds have low reversibility, making the synthesis of V-2D-COFs quite challenging, there have been around 40 V-2D-COFs reported over the past 5 years, which demonstrated the merits of V-2D-COFs combining with unique optoelectronic, redox, and magnetic properties. In this Account, we will summarize the development of V-2D-COFs, covering the important aspects of synthesis methods, design strategies, unique physical properties, and functions. First, the solvothermal synthesis of V-2D-COFs using different reaction methodologies and design principles will be presented, including Knoevenagel polycondensation, other aldol-type polycondensations, and Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons (HWE) polycondensation. Second, we will discuss the optoelectronic and magnetic properties of V-2D-COFs. Finally, the promising applications of V-2D-COF in the fields of sensing, photocatalysis, energy storage, and conversion will be demonstrated, which benefit from their robust vinylene-linked skeleton, full in-plane π-conjugation, and tailorable structures. We anticipate that this Account will provide an intensive understanding of the synthesis of V-2D-COFs and inspire the further development of this emerging class of conjugated organic crystalline materials with unique physicochemical properties and applications across different areas.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The field of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials first began in earnest with the discovery of graphene in 2004 due to their unique shape-dependent optical, electronic, and mechanical properties. These properties arise due to their one-dimensional confinement and are further influenced by the elemental composition of the inorganic crystal lattice. There has been an intense focus on developing new compositions of 2D nanomaterials to take advantage of their intrinsic beneficial properties in a variety of applications including catalysis, energy storage and harvesting, sensing, and polymer nanocomposites. However, compared to the field of bulk materials, the influence of surface chemistry on 2D nanomaterials is still underdeveloped. 2D nanomaterials are considered an “all-surface” atomic structure with heights of a single to few layers of atoms. The synthetic methods used to produce 2D materials include bottom-up colloidal methods and top-down exfoliation related techniques. Both cases result in poorly controlled surface chemistry with many undercoordinated surface atoms and/or undesirable molecules bound to the surface. Considering the importance surfaces play in most applications (i.e., catalysis and polymer processing) it is imperative to better understand how to manipulate the surface of 2D nanomaterials to unlock their full technological potential. Through a focus of the ligand-surface atom bonding in addition to the overall ligand structure we highlight the ability to direct morphological outcomes in lead free halide perovskites, maximize optoelectronic responses in substoichiometric tungsten oxide, and alter physicochemical properties titanium carbide MXenes. The careful control of precursor materials including poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) surface ligands during the synthesis of bismuth halide perovskites resulted in the formation of 2D quasi-Ruddlesden-Popper phase nanomaterials. Through small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and in conjunction with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) we were able to conclude that an in-situ formation of an amino functional group on our PEG-amine ligand was inserted into the perovskite crystal lattice enabling 2D morphology formation. Additionally, through UV-vis absorption and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopies we were able to develop a complete electronic band structure of materials containing varying halides (i.e., Cl, Br, and I). Furthermore, through the increased solubility profile of the PEG ligands we observed solvent controlled assemblies of varying mesostructures. We developed an ex-situ ligand treatment to manipulate the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) response of anion vacancy doped tungsten oxide (WO3-x) nanoplatelets (NPLs). Upon ligand treatment to alter the surface passivating ligand from carboxylic acid containing myristic acid (MA) to tetradecylphosphonic acid (TDPA) we observed a >100 nm blue shift in the LSPR response. Using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies in conjunction with DFT calculated Raman spectra we were able to conclude this shift was due to the formation of tridentate phosphonate bonds on the NPLs surface. Phosphonate bonding allows for an increase in surface passivation per ligand decreasing surface trapped electrons. These previously trapped electrons were then able to participate as free electrons in the LSPR response. Electron paramagnetic spectroscopy (EPR) further supported this decrease in surface traps through a decrease and shift of the EPR signal related to metal oxide surface trapped electrons. Lastly, using our knowledge of PEG ligands we were able to modify esterification chemistry to covalently attach PEG ligands to a MXene surface. The successful formation of an ester bond between a carboxylic acid containing PEG ligand and hydroxyl terminating group on the MXene surface was supported by FTIR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The attachment of PEG resulted in a drastic change in the hydrophilicity of the MXene surface. Where MXenes were previously only processed in extremely polar solvents the PEG attachment allowed for high dispersibility in a wide range of polar and non-polar organic solvents, effectively increasing their processability. Further, this chemistry was modified to include an additional functional group on the PEG ligand to increase the valency of the post-modification MXene nanoflakes. Overall, work presented in this dissertation represents the development and application of surface chemistry to relatively new 2D nanomaterials. We believe our work significantly increases the knowledge of 2D halide perovskite formation, manipulation of LSPR active metal oxide materials, and the future processing of MXene materials.

No description available.

The misassembly of soluble proteins into toxic aggregates, including amyloid fibrils, underlies a large number of human degenerative diseases. Cardiac amyloidosis, which is most commonly, caused by aggregation of Immunoglobulin (Ig) light chains or transthyretin (TTR) in the cardiac muscle, represent an important and often underdiagnosed cause of heart failure. TTR-mediated amyloid cardiomyopathies are chronic and progressive conditions that lead to arrhythmias, biventricular heart failure, and death. As no Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs are currently available for treatment of these diseases, the development of therapeutic agents that prevent TTR-mediated cardiotoxicity is desired. AG10 is a potent and selective kinetic stabilizer of TTR. AG10 prevents dissociation of TTR in serum samples obtained from patients with amyloid cardiomyopathy. The oral bioavailability and selectivity of AG10, makes it a very promising candidate to treat TTR amyloid cardiomyopathy. Understanding the reason behind the potency of AG10 would be beneficial for designing stabilizers for other amyloid diseases. This would be possible by designing and synthesizing structural analogues of AG10. Here we report the synthesis, characterization and analysis of AG10 analogs and the comparison of the in vitro activities of the synthesized analogs. The tremendous therapeutic potential of peptides has not been fulfilled and potential peptide therapies that have failed far outnumber the successes so far. A major challenge impeding the more widespread use of peptides as therapeutics is their poor pharmacokinetic profile, due to short In vivo half-life resulting from inactivation by serum proteases and rapid elimination by kidneys. Extending the In vivo half-life of peptides is clearly desirable in order for their therapeutic potential to be realized, without the need for high doses and/or frequent administration. Covalent conjugation of peptides to macromolecules (e.g. polyethylene glycol or serum proteins such albumin) has been the mainstay approach for enhancing the In vivo half-life of peptides. However, the steric hindrance and immunogenicity of these large macromolecules often compromises the In vivo efficacy of the peptides. Recently, our laboratory established the first successful reversible method of extending the half-life of peptides using serum protein TTR. The approach involved the use of a TTR Ligand for Half-life Extension (TLHE-1) which binds to TTR with high specificity and affinity. We have shown that our technology extends the half-life of multiple peptides without seriously affecting their activity. Our main objective here is to modify the structure of TLHE1 using linkers with different length and composition to optimize its affinity and selectivity for TTR in human serum.