New Research on Poly(amino acid) Synthesis

We are delighted to share that the research article “Poly(amino acid) Synthesis from 2,5-Diketopiperazines for Acid-Actuated Drug Release” has been published in the Wiley open access journal Macromolecular Materials and Engineering.

The research discloses the ring-opening polymerisation of cyclic dipeptides as a cost-effective and environmentally positive route to poly(amino acids). Such polymers are fully biodegradable, forming strong materials owing to extensive hydrogen bonding between polymer chains. The use of poly(amino acids) for the controlled release of an anti-cancer drug in response to an acidic environment. It is hoped that this novel route to poly(amino acid) synthesis will facilitate their more widespread use, in the field of drug delivery and beyond!

The study was co-authored by Dr Patrick Wall, Charlie Sajid, LITAC scholar Karen Mitchinson, and LITAC Deputy Director, Dr Paul Thornton, and was collaborative research between the School of Design and the School of Chemistry at the University of Leeds.

It will be discussed at ITCC 2025 and full open access research article is available here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mame.202500091