Synthesis of Novel Lipopeptides for Drug Delivery Vehicles Targeting Cancer Cells

A novel class of lipopeptides was developed from _L-cysteine via condensation with nitrobenzaldehyde and acylation of acryloyl chloride. The fatty component of the lipopeptide is appended via conjugate addition of thiol analogues. The amino terminus of peptides is connected at the carboxylate end of the thiazolidine core. Nitro reduction followed by acylation allows the covalent attachment of the carboxylate end of a second peptide.  Future studies will focus on the use of these constructs for drug delivery vehicles targeting cancer cells. In addition, we will develop a combinatorial library consisting of lipopeptides for chemical and biological studies.