Issue 35, 2013

Polypeptoids: a model system to study the effect of monomer sequence on polymer properties and self-assembly

Abstract

As the ability to control the monomer sequence of synthetic polymers increases, new relationships between sequence, polymer structure, and functional properties are being discovered. Recent advances in the sequence control of traditional copolymers, such as polyethylenes and polystyrenes, have led to well controlled primary structures ranging from periodic to more precise sequences. As a result, this unprecedented control in the chemical structure of the polymer has necessitated a reexamination of the role of monomer sequence on polymer properties, such as crystallization and self-assembly. In this review, we summarize the developments in establishing a relationship between a polymer’s sequence and its properties, and we focus on one sequence-specific polymer system in particular: N-substituted glycines, or polypeptoids. Polypeptoid self-assembly has demonstrated remarkably tunable, hierarchical structures, and through this lens, we look to the future “designability” of sequence-specific polymers in general.

Graphical abstract: Polypeptoids: a model system to study the effect of monomer sequence on polymer properties and self-assembly

Additions and corrections

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
21 May 2013
Accepted
09 Jul 2013
First published
12 Jul 2013

Soft Matter, 2013,9, 8400-8414

Polypeptoids: a model system to study the effect of monomer sequence on polymer properties and self-assembly

A. M. Rosales, R. A. Segalman and R. N. Zuckermann, Soft Matter, 2013, 9, 8400 DOI: 10.1039/C3SM51421H

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