Engineering precise sequence-defined polymers for advanced functions

Abstract

Unlike natural macromolecules (e.g., nucleic acids and proteins) possessing precisely defined molar mass, chain sequence, chirality, and topology, synthetic polymers are typically featured with broad chain length distributions, inhomogeneous compositions, and undefined sequences. To bridge the wide gap between natural and synthetic polymers, sequence-defined polymers (SDPs) have gradually emerged and developed with precise chain length, sequence, tacticity, and topology, holding great promise to reach the same level of precision, complexity, and functionality of biopolymers. The emergence of SDPs confers an unparalleled opportunity to precisely regulate their primary structures, rational intrachain and interchain self-organization, and macroscopic properties, enabling the fundamental elucidation of structure-function relationships. This review aims to summarize recent progresses in the synthesis and advanced applications of emerging and booming SDPs. Some prospects are proposed towards future challenges and versatile promising developments of SDPs.