Abstract

Synthetic polypeptides bridge two traditionally separate material classes: synthetic polymers, which can be manufactured with broad control over size and architecture, and proteins, which offer chemically diverse amino-acid side chains and ordered secondary structures. This combination makes polypeptides attractive as programmable biomaterials. Recent progress in amino-acid N-Carboxyanhydride (NCA) chemistry has improved control over polymerization, molecular weight, and macromolecular architecture, while modern functionalization strategies have expanded the range of responsive and biologically active materials [1-4]. This mini review summarizes major routes to polypeptides, explains how chain composition and architecture influence self-assembly, and highlights emerging applications in drug delivery, nucleic-acid delivery, hydrogels, antimicrobial materials, and regenerative medicine.

Keywords:Synthetic polypeptides; Polymerization; Amino acids; Electrostatic interactions