Synthetic Routes to Single Chain Polymer Nanoparticles (SCNPs): Current Status and Perspectives

Recent advances in polymer science make it possible to create single chain polymer nanoparticles (SCNPs), which can mimic the folding of natural macromolecules, such as protein and nucleic acid, in terms of their native and functional state. Even though considerable progress has been done during the last years, the synthesis of relatively controlled SCNPs with a good folding accuracy is still challenging due to lack of appropriate chemical synthesis techniques. Different types of SCNPs are developed with enhanced properties and used for various applications, e.g., delivery systems, imaging agents, and nanomedicine. As it is believed that SCNPs are so crucial to elucidate single chain technology, in this review, recent developments in SCNPs are discussed comprehensively according to their synthetic approaches to keep readers updated on this important research field. First, selective point folding methods are classified and highlighted, and then repeat unit folding routes are discussed with exciting examples.

Automated summary

Recent advances in polymer science have made it possible to create single chain polymer nanoparticles (SCNPs) that mimic the folding of natural macromolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids. However, the synthesis of relatively controlled SCNPs with good folding accuracy remains challenging due to the lack of appropriate chemical synthesis techniques. Despite the development of different types of SCNPs with enhanced properties for various applications, elucidating single chain technology remains crucial.