Chemically modifiable N-heterocycle-functionalized polycarbonates as a platform for diverse smart biomimetic nanomaterials

A series of functional aliphatic polycarbonates bearing pendant N-heterocycles has been synthesized using a facile and modular synthetic strategy. This allows rapid access to a diverse range of biomimetic nanostructured materials that show promise as non-fouling polyzwitterions, host-defense peptide mimics, and potential drug/gene-delivery vectors, all starting from a common precursor. Preliminary biological data indicate promising non-fouling properties, antimicrobial activity, and negligible toxicity in human cell lines.