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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
09:34
Synthesis of Information-bearing Peptoids and their Sequence-directed Dynamic Covalent Self-assembly
Published on: February 6, 2020
Stereocontrol as a tool for shaping abiotic, sequence-defined oligourethanes.
Sara Njoku1, Ariel F Perez Mellor2, Johanna Brazard2
1Łukasiewicz Research Network - PORT Polish Center for Technology Development Stabłowicka 147 54-066 Wrocław Poland.
Polymer Chemistry
|June 1, 2026
Summary
Scientists engineered synthetic polymers, specifically oligourethanes, to fold into specific shapes like proteins. Stereochemistry precisely controls these polymer structures, enabling new protein-like materials.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Proteins fold into functional 3D shapes directed by their amino acid sequence.
- Abiotic polymers require precise monomer arrangement for controlled structures.
- Urethane-based polymers offer potential for non-biological materials with protein-like characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the folding behavior of model oligourethanes using experimental and computational approaches.
- To explore how stereochemistry influences the secondary structures of oligourethanes.
- To establish a foundation for engineering non-biological polymers with protein-like folding capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized multistep iterative synthesis to create oligourethanes with defined monomer sequences and stereocenters.
- Employed experimental techniques to examine polymer folding in non-polar aprotic media.
- Applied computational methods to analyze the relationship between stereochemistry and secondary structure formation.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that isotactic oligourethanes adopt helical conformations in non-polar aprotic solvents.
- Showed that the sequence of stereocenters dictates secondary structures, enabling transitions from helical to zig-zag shapes.
- Confirmed the tunability of urethane-based polymer structures through stereochemical control.
Conclusions:
- Stereocontrol is a powerful tool for precisely engineering the secondary structures of oligourethanes.
- Urethane-based folded structures can mimic protein-like features, paving the way for advanced polymer design.
- Controlled polymer shape is essential for applications requiring catalytic activity and ligand interactions.
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