Regulating secondary structure of hairy-rod copolypeptide toward self-repairing material application

The article investigates the regulation of secondary structures in hairy-rod copolypeptides, focusing on their potential for self-repairing material applications. Polypeptides, known for their stable secondary structures like α-helix and β-sheet, are explored for their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to form supramolecular assemblies. The synthesis of poly(γ-methyl-L-glutamate-random-γ-octadecyl-L-glutamate) (PMGOG) is detailed, highlighting the challenges and solutions in controlling the α-helix/β-sheet ratio through various synthesis parameters. The integration of PMGOG into polyurethane (PU) matrices is discussed, showcasing the enhanced self-healing properties of the resulting blends. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the structural and thermal properties of these blends, demonstrating their potential for applications in biomedical engineering and beyond. The study underscores the importance of optimizing synthesis conditions to achieve high helicity in copolypeptides, which is essential for their successful integration into self-healing materials.