Synthetic Polymers with Protein Like Structure and Activity

The research goal of this research is to synthesize polymers that mimic the primary, secondary, tertiary, and higher-ordered structure of proteins. In doing so we aim to impart protein-like function, such as controllable assembly/disassembly or enzyme like catalytic activity, into synthetic polymers, thus creating a class of materials with unique properties and unparalleled capabilities. We will accomplish this research goal by examining, in parallel, several design aspects and functions found in protein chemistry as described in the research objectives below: Research Objective 1 Synthesis of polymers with defined sequences via templated step-growth polymerization: mimicking primary structure Research Objective 2 Well-defined single-chain nanoparticles (SCNP): mimicking secondary and tertiary structure Research Objective 3 Controlled, on demand self-assembly/disassembly of polymer nanostructures: mimicking quaternary structure Research Objective 4 Synthetic enzymes: mimicking protein function