Molecular brushes based on poly(amino acid)s: synthesis, structures, and applications

Abstract

AbstractPolymer science is witnessing rapid advancements in the precision construction of synthetic macromolecules. Beyond the impressive advances in molecular brush, the integration of poly(amino acid)s into bottlebrush architectures leads to a novel class of materials known as molecular brushes based on poly(amino acid)s (MBPAs). These materials not only possess biorelated functions but also enable the incorporation of the diverse secondary structures found in poly(amino acid)s into the bulk polymers. Here we present a comprehensive and critical summary of three synthetic strategies and three different constructions for MBPAs. Furthermore, we highlight their potential in the development of advanced materials for a broad range of applications, encompassing antimicrobial activity, pharmaceutical delivery, and bioimaging.