Hybrid Nanomaterials by Surface Grafting of Synthetic Polypeptides Using N-Carboxyanhydride (NCA) Polymerization

The interaction of materials with their environment is largely dictated by interfacial phenomena. Polymers are very versatile materials to modulate material interfaces to provide functionality, stability and compatibility. A class of polymers that can close the gap between fully synthetic and natural macromolecules are polypeptides derived from N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) polymerization. Recent advances in using this technique to create biomimetic interfaces and hybrid materials are highlighted, with special emphasis on nanomaterials.