Synthesis of water soluble and multi-responsive selenopolypeptides via ring-opening polymerization of N-carboxyanhydrides

Abstract

We report here the synthesis of water soluble selenopolypeptides via the ring-opening polymerization of N-carboxyanhydrides. The oligoethylene glycol-bearing selenopolypeptides are thermally responsive in aqueous solutions with tunable lower critical solution temperatures. The polymers can also undergo rapid and reversible helix–coil transitions upon responding to the added redox cycle.