Controlled Synthesis and Properties of Poly(L-homoserine)

We report the preparation of a new water-soluble, nonionic homopolypeptide poly(L-homoserine) as well as poly(L- homoserine) block copolymers with controllable segment lengths. The conformational preferences of poly(L-homoserine) were also determined in both the solid state and in solution. Poly(L- homoserine) is soluble in water and adopts a disordered conformation that makes it a promising addition to the small class of nonionic, water-soluble homopolypeptides with potential for development for applications in biology. Toward this goal, a poly(L-homoserine) containing a block copolypeptide was prepared and found to assemble into micro-and nanoscale vesicles in water.

Automated summary

We have prepared a new water-soluble, nonionic homopolypeptide poly(L-homoserine) and poly(L-homoserine) block copolymers with controllable segment lengths. The conformational preferences of poly(L-homoserine) in both the solid state and in solution have been determined. Poly(L-homoserine) is soluble in water and adopts a disordered conformation, making it a promising candidate for applications in biology as a nonionic, water-soluble homopolypeptide. Towards this goal, a poly(L-homoserine) containing a block copolypeptide has been prepared and found to self-assemble into micro- and nanoscale vesicles in water.