Dual Polymerizations: Untapped Potential for Biomaterials.

Block copolymers with unique architectures and those that can self-assemble into supramolecular structures are used in medicine as biomaterial scaffolds and delivery vehicles for cells, therapeutics, and imaging agents. To date, much of the work relies on controlling polymer behavior by varying the monomer side chains to add functionality and tune hydrophobicity. Although varying the side chains is an efficient strategy to control polymer behavior, changing the polymer backbone can also be a powerful approach to modulate polymer self-assembly, rigidity, reactivity, and biodegradability for biomedical applications.