Nucleic Acid‐Backboned Chimeric Polymers with Designable Physics and Chemistry

• Published in: Chinese journal of chemistry 2023-04, Vol.41 (8), p.951-957
• Main Authors: Wang, Jiangming, Dong, Yuanchen, Liu, Huajie, Liu, Dongsheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acids; Assembly; Chains (polymeric); Chemical synthesis; Chimeric polymers; Controllability; DNA; Hydrogen bonding; Hydrogen bonds; Kinetically interlocking; Natural polymers; Nucleic acids; Polymers; Programmable polymers; Self‐assembly; Supramolecular polymers
• ISSN: 1001-604X; 1614-7065
• DOI: 10.1002/cjoc.202200629

Comprehensive Summary The chain effect of polymer is the kernel of the precise synthesis of complex polymer compounds and the development of polymer science. Nucleic acids, a special type of polyester, can form supramolecular polymers via hydrogen bonds among corresponding bases. We focused on the precise control of polymer chains and proposed the concept of “nucleic acid‐backboned chimeric polymers” (NCPs). There are three important elements of NCPs, namely nucleic acid backbone, side group and intra‐/inter‐chain weak interactions. In this review, we expound how to realize the construction of intelligent DNA structures through the regulation of these three elements and the applications of NCPs in various fields. What is the most favorite and original chemistry developed in your research group? Nucleic acid‐backboned chimeric polymers, frame guided assembly and kinetically interlocking multiple‐units (KIMU) strategy. How do you get into this specific field? Could you please share some experiences with our readers? I was always interested in how life is organized from molecules since my college time. During my PhD, I started to realize the important roles of the natural polymers and their essential feature in chain effect. When I set up my own research group in 2005, I focused on the investigation in nucleic acid‐backboned chimeric polymers, which provide an optimal model for the study of precise controllable polymer synthesis, assembly and functions, benefiting the understanding of the life science. What is the most important personality for scientific research? Thinking deeply and working hard. How do you keep balance between research and family? I am always working hard when I work, but I always remind myself to enjoy my family and spare time. What are your favorite journals? Nature, Science, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, and Advanced Materials. What are your hobbies? Travel; cooking. The chain effect of polymer is the kernel of the precise synthesis of complex polymer compounds and the development of polymer science. Nucleic acids, a special type of polyester, can form supramolecular polymers via hydrogen bonds among corresponding bases. We focused on the precise control of polymer chains and proposed the concept of “nucleic acid‐backboned chimeric polymers” (NCPs). There are three important elements of NCPs, namely nucleic acid backbone, side group and intra‐/inter‐chain weak interactions. In this re