Using bioinspired polypeptoids to understand how chain shape influences self-assembly and to design new materials

Polypeptoids are non-natural, sequence specific polymers that offer the opportunity to probe the effect of monomer sequence, charge, chirality, and chain shape on self-assembly and surface properties. Although examples of hierarchical polypeptide structures abound in nature, the de novo design of such systems for specific functions is still a major challenge. The polypeptoid system with its much simplified set of inter and intramolecular interactions provides an opportunity to explore this design space with more tractable systems. In this talk, I will discuss experimental efforts to design peptoid structures with controlled chain shape on a fundamental level as well as use of this platform to design highly functional materials ranging from marine anti-fouling coatings to next-generation photoresists.