The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Proteins in nature perform diverse functions based on their well-defined structures. Although extensive efforts have been made to mimic their structure and function, achieving precise control over higher-order architectures remains challenging, requiring the development of new efficient covalent linking strategies. In this study, we explore an alternative approach to polypeptide synthesis using topochemical azide–alkyne cycloaddition(TAAC), a powerful strategy for constructing well-ordered polymers with high regioselectivity in a catalyst-free and solvent-free manner. Short peptide monomers bearing azide and alkyne groups were synthesized, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) confirmed the spatial alignment of reactive groups in the crystalline state. The TAAC reaction was triggered in the solid state, and structural analysis revealed the formation of a polymer-incorporated crystal structure. These findings provide valuable insights for the design of biomimetic materials.