The influence of polymer topology and side chain functionality on the Schiff-base reactivity of biocompatible polypeptide hydrogels

Abstract

Presented are bio-inspired, synthetic polypeptide-based hydrogels derived from Schiff-base chemistry. Through the N-carboxyanhydride ring opening polymerisation (NCA ROP), polypeptides with linear and star topologies were readily synthesised and modified by post-polymerisation modification to form aldehyde and acyl hydrazide rich complimentary crosslinkers. Through mixing pure polymer topologies (e.g., linear and linear crosslinkers) or topological blends (e.g., star and linear crosslinkers), a wide range of mechanical properties could be accessed, forming robust, biocompatible hydrogels.