Polypeptoid-Based Polymers: From Molecular Programming to Functional Materials

Polypeptoids, or poly(N-substituted glycines), are highly programmable bioinspired polymers whose N-substituted backbone eliminates backbone chirality and hydrogen-bond donor functionality. Consequently, side-chain chemistry, backbone structure, and macromolecular topology are the primary determinants of conformation, self-assembly, and bioactivity. Recent synthetic advances have expanded the structural diversity of polypeptoids, enabling systematic investigation of structure-property relationships. Understanding these relationships provides a foundation for programming function across multiple length scales, from single-chain conformations to supramolecular assemblies and bulk materials. In this Perspective, we discuss recent advances in polypeptoid-based polymer synthesis and architecture, with particular emphasis on the structure-property relationships that govern their behavior as functional polymers and guide the development of functional materials for antibacterial applications, cancer therapy, tissue engineering, biological coatings, ion-conducting systems, catalytic materials, and sensing platforms. Establishing robust structure-property relationships will be essential for advancing polypeptoids from versatile polymer platforms to next-generation functional biomaterials.