Polypeptide-based materials prepared by ring-opening polymerisation of anionic-based α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides: A platform for delivery of bioactive-compounds

Polymerisation of α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) is one the most common techniques to prepare synthetic polypeptides. Of special interest are NCAs derived from acids, L-aspartic and L-glutamic acid, since investigations have been focused on their use synthesise multiblock copolypeptides or hybrid polypeptide-polymers design excipients suitable for delivery bioactive compounds. This perspective highlights advantages using over other natural acids in that pendant carboxyl group serves as a reactive handle coupling variety groups, because resulting polypeptides ability adopt secondary structures. In addition, recent progress ring-opening polymerisation will be discussed. Throughout, we provide representative examples shed light process, finally share our perspectives concerning practical anionic building blocks future investigations.