Polymerization of avidin and streptavidin with aromatic bisbiotin ligands

The synthesis of a range of aromatic bisbiotin ligands is described and their ability to polymerize the proteins avidin and streptavidin is investigated. The formation of protein polymers is confirmed by gel chromatography and transmission electron microscopy. It is shown that the degree of polymerization depends not only on the length of the ligand but also on the stereochemistry of the group linking the distal biotin moieties. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.