Unique alternating peptide–peptoid copolymers from dipeptides via a Ugi reaction in water

Abstract

Herein, we developed a straightforward aqueous synthesis of unprecedented alternating peptide–peptoid copolymers via a Ugi four-component reaction applied to dipeptides. Functional peptide–peptoid copolymers as well as block copolymers were produced in a single step in the presence of acrylic acid and carboxylic acid-terminated poly(ethylene glycol). The thermoresponsiveness of these polymers is highlighted.