BIO-INSPIRED POLYMERS FOR USE AS SYNTHETIC MUCINS

摘要

Provided are glycosylated polymers that derive from carboxymethyl cellulose and may function as synthetic mucins. The carboxymethyl cellulose backbone of the polymers provide structures amenable to glycosylation by amidation of the carboxyl groups with glycosylamine moieties. The polymers can inhibit microbial virulence and may be useful in a variety of applications, such as treating microbial infections, preventing biofilm formation, and improving gastrointestinal health. Thus, provided are compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical, prebiotic, nutraceutical, food product) comprising the polymers, lubricants comprising the polymers, coatings comprising the polymers, methods of inhibiting microbial virulence, methods of inhibiting and/or preventing biofilm formation, methods of treating and/or preventing infection (e.g., bacterial, protozoan, or fungal infection). Also provided are methods of preparing the polymers described herein.