Nature-Inspired Polymer Design with Protein-Like Functionality

Nature has shown the power of directing functional protein folding according to protein principles. It is intriguing to test our understanding of those rules by designing synthetic protein analogues. This endeavor holds potentials for creating biomaterials beyond nature’s capability. The major challenge lies in the lack of effective strategies to transfer protein information encoded in protein sequences to synthetic scaffolds. It is challenging to synthesize high molecular weight linear molecules with precise sequence control as demonstrated in protein primary structures. Here we design protein-like polymer folding in biological membrane, leading to channel protein’s bioactivity. We use copolymers comprising different monomers to tailor polymer-polymer, and polymer-membrane interactions through adjusting polymer amphiphilicity and Coulombic charges, following folding rules of transmembrane proteins. Experimental results suggest that several polymers adopt a transmembrane protein-like shape in membrane environment, and function as efficient ion transporters. The unnatural polymers represented here provide robust starting scaffolds for generating biomimetic soft materials with great chemical diversity and processibility.