Geared Toward Applications: A Perspective on Functional Sequence-Controlled Polymers

Sequence-controlled polymers are an emerging class of synthetic polymers with a regulated sequence of monomers. In the past decade, tremendous progress has been made in the synthesis of polymers, with the sophisticated sequence control approaching the level manifested in biopolymers. In contrast, the exploration of novel functions that can be achieved by controlling synthetic polymer sequences represents an emerging focus in polymer science. This Viewpoint will survey recent advances in the functional applications of sequence-controlled polymers and provide a perspective on the challenges and outlook for pursuing future applications of this fascinating class of macromolecules.

Automated summary

Sequence-controlled polymers are a type of synthetic polymers with regulated sequence of monomers. While significant progress has been made in synthesizing these polymers in the past decade, exploring novel functions through controlling synthetic polymer sequences is a new focus in polymer science. Despite facing challenges, there are promising outlooks for future applications of this fascinating class of macromolecules.