Bioinspired and biomimetic nucleobase-containing polymers: the effect of selective multiple hydrogen bonds

Abstract

Bioinspired and biomimetic nucleobase-containing polymers are a series of polydisperse nucleic acid analogs, mainly obtaining through highly efficient and scalable step-growth or chain polymerizations. The combination of pendant nucleobase groups and various backbones endows the polymers/materials with selective multiple H-bonds under distinct conditions, demonstrating the broad applicability of this new family of polymeric materials. In this perspective, we critically summarize recent advances of bioinspired and biomimetic nucleobase-containing polymers and materials in both solution and the bulk. Then, we discuss the effect of multiple H-bonds between complementary nucleobases on the structures and properties of the nucleobase-containing polymers and materials. Selective multiple H-bonds between complementary nucleobases are feasible to modulate the polymer sequence and self-assembly behaviour, achieve templated polymerization, tune nanostructure morphologies and functions, and selectively bind with nucleic acids in various solutions. Meanwhile, bioinspired and biomimetic nucleobase-containing polymers are capable of forming robust polymeric materials such as hydrogels, bioplastics, elastomers, adhesives, and coatings by optimizing the inter- and intramolecular multiple H-bonding interactions. Further, the conclusions and outlook for future development and challenges of bioinspired and biomimetic nucleobase-containing polymers are also presented. This perspective presents useful guidelines for fabricating novel bioinspired and biomimetic polymers and materials through rational design of multiple H-bonds nucleobase interactions.