Side-chain amino acid-based macromolecular architectures

Abstract

Amino acids, the natural building blocks of life, are highly functional small molecules with chirality and important catalytic properties. Imparting the exquisite properties of amino acids into the macromolecules allows us to prepare unique, well-defined, biocompatible, functional, and tailorable materials. They exhibit stimuli responsiveness, tunable optical characteristics, enhanced thermal, mechanical, and biological properties with desired cell-materials interactions. Considering the salient features and diverse applications of side-chain amino acid-containing polymers, in this feature article, we present a concise highlight on the recent trends (2015–present) of the synthesis and utilization of pendant amino acid-based polymeric architectures. This article covers the synthesis of different classes of side-chain amino acid-derived polymeric architectures, and their recent utilization in drug and gene delivery, antibacterial activity, anti-fouling activity, heavy metal ion sensing, tissue engineering, etc. We hope that this study will provide a comprehensive outline of key aspects associated with the construction of functional ‘bio-inspired’ polymeric materials with desired characteristics, and their enhanced potential applications.