Programming Polymer Function via Ring-opening Polymerisation of Peptides

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The project aims to set the foundation of a class of intelligent polymers, whose structure and function – including catalytic activity and biodegradability – can be readily programmed. In contrast to well-established radical polymerization techniques leading to all-carbon based backbones, the outlined research will develop technologies to incorporate short peptides into the backbones of synthetic polymers. The synthetically adjustable amino acid sequence of the main chain embedded peptides will translate into the structure and function of the modular polymer. The DECRA will deliver unprecedented access towards tailor-made mechanical properties, catalytic activity and biodegradability of polymeric materials.