Oligo( <i>N</i> ‐methylalanine) as a Peptide‐Based Molecular Scaffold with a Minimal Structure and High Density of Functionalizable Sites

Functionalizable synthetic molecules with nanometer sizes and defined shapes in water are useful as molecular scaffolds to mimic the functions of biomacromolecules develop chemical tools for manipulating biomacromolecules. Herein, we propose oligo(N-methylalanine) (oligo-NMA) a peptide-based scaffold minimal structure high density functionalizable sites. Oligo-NMA forms shape without hydrogen-bonding networks or ring constraints, which enables molecule act atomic composition. Furthermore, functional groups can be readily introduced on nitrogens α-carbons oligo-NMA. Computational NMR spectroscopic analysis suggested that backbone oligo-NMA is not largely affected by functionalization. Moreover, usefulness was demonstrated design protein ligands. The ease synthesis, structure, functionalization flexibility makes biological applications.