High definition polyphosphoesters: between nucleic acids and plastics

Abstract

Nucleic acids and synthetic polyphosphoester materials have been distinct fields – this review shows how these areas now comprise a continuum.

DNA-inspired oligomers: from oligophosphates to functional materials

“…1). 4 While the hybridisation behaviour of chemically modified DNA structures have been extensively studied, 5 information about their controlled folding into functional systems is still very limited.…”

“…Over the past decade, this unapparent liaison has shaped an area of research in which the nucleic acids represent a part of a larger chemical space populated by sequence-specific oligo-or polyphosphodiesters. 4 The notion will be supported by outlining some prospective areas of utilization of DNA-inspired systems and illustrating the potential of sequence-specific oligophosphodiesters for accessing functional self-assembled materials. To better demonstrate upcoming opportunities, the review also includes examples of self-assembling hybrid molecules as relevant intermediaries which facilitate a conceptual shift from DNA to entirely nonnucleoside oligophosphodiesters (Fig.…”

Sequence isomerism in uniform polyphosphoesters programmes self-assembly and folding

“…25,26 However, the intrinsic supramolecular behaviour of macromolecular sequencedefined polyphosphoesters has yet to be explored. 27 We herein report the supramolecular behaviour of two sequence-isomeric polyphosphoesters arising from hydrophobic/hydrophilic phenomena and electrostatic interactions. This represents a new leading example of sequence-determined self-assembly in entirely non-biological macromolecules and opens up vast possibilities for further elaboration of the sequence-defined polyphosphoester platform.…”

Sequence Isomerism in Uniform Polyphosphoesters Programmes Self-Assembly and Folding

“…25,26 However, the intrinsic supramolecular behaviour of macromolecular sequencedefined polyphosphoesters has yet to be explored. 27 We herein report the supramolecular behaviour of two sequence-isomeric polyphosphoesters arising from hydrophobic/hydrophilic phenomena and electrostatic interactions. This represents a new leading example of sequence-determined self-assembly in entirely non-biological macromolecules and opens up vast possibilities for further elaboration of the sequence-defined polyphosphoester platform.…”