<p>Biomacromolecules achieve sophisticated functions through precisely defined sequences, three-dimensional structures, and dynamic molecular motion. Inspired by these natural systems, the molecular design of synthetic polymers has advanced significantly through the development of controlled polymerization techniques, which enable control over molecular weight, monomer sequence, and topology. This Focus Review summarizes recent progress in precision functional polymers designed for molecular recognition, with particular emphasis on biomimetic strategies. First, sequence-defined and multiblock polymers are discussed. Among them, glycopolymers, defined as synthetic polymers bearing carbohydrate moieties as pendant or terminal ligands, have been widely investigated as biomimetic platforms for carbohydrate-mediated molecular recognition. In these systems, the arrangement of functional groups governs binding behavior toward lectins. Next, the role of polymer topology, including star-shaped and cyclic architectures, in optimizing multivalent interactions with target proteins is highlighted. Finally, emerging studies on polymer dynamics have shown that controlled flexibility and conformational fluctuation can enhance molecular recognition by balancing multivalent binding and entropic penalties. These studies suggest that future polymer design should integrate sequence, shape, and dynamics to create advanced soft materials with biomacromolecule-like functions.</p>

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Precision molecular design of synthetic polymers for biomimetic functions

  • Masanori Nagao

摘要

Biomacromolecules achieve sophisticated functions through precisely defined sequences, three-dimensional structures, and dynamic molecular motion. Inspired by these natural systems, the molecular design of synthetic polymers has advanced significantly through the development of controlled polymerization techniques, which enable control over molecular weight, monomer sequence, and topology. This Focus Review summarizes recent progress in precision functional polymers designed for molecular recognition, with particular emphasis on biomimetic strategies. First, sequence-defined and multiblock polymers are discussed. Among them, glycopolymers, defined as synthetic polymers bearing carbohydrate moieties as pendant or terminal ligands, have been widely investigated as biomimetic platforms for carbohydrate-mediated molecular recognition. In these systems, the arrangement of functional groups governs binding behavior toward lectins. Next, the role of polymer topology, including star-shaped and cyclic architectures, in optimizing multivalent interactions with target proteins is highlighted. Finally, emerging studies on polymer dynamics have shown that controlled flexibility and conformational fluctuation can enhance molecular recognition by balancing multivalent binding and entropic penalties. These studies suggest that future polymer design should integrate sequence, shape, and dynamics to create advanced soft materials with biomacromolecule-like functions.