Entry Date:
July 19, 2012

New Biomimetic Materials

Principal Investigator Paula Hammond


Synthetic polypeptides can fold into stable secondary structures similar to those of biologically prevalent polypeptides, unlike most traditional polymers, which usually form random coils. Due to this interesting capability and their biocompatibility, these synthetic polypeptides lend themselves to cellular applications. Large scale synthesis of the polypeptides is possible as is modification of the polymer using click chemistry. These modified polypeptides have the potential for use in drug and gene delivery.