Polyglycine

Polyglycine is a synthetic polypeptide composed of repeating glycine amino acid units. It is a simple homopolymer, meaning it consists of only one type of amino acid. Polyglycine is typically synthesized through the polymerization of N-carboxyanhydrides of glycine or other polymerization methods. Its structure and properties are closely related to those of glycine, the simplest amino acid.

The physical properties of polyglycine can vary depending on its molecular weight and physical form. It is generally insoluble in water and organic solvents. Polyglycine can exist in different crystalline forms, with polyglycine I and polyglycine II being well-characterized polymorphs. These polymorphs differ in their hydrogen bonding patterns and backbone dihedral angles, leading to distinct structural arrangements.

Due to its simplicity and well-defined structure, polyglycine has been used as a model system in biochemical and biophysical research. It is employed in studies of protein folding, peptide-protein interactions, and the development of biomaterials. Its inert nature and biocompatibility have also led to its investigation for applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering, although its widespread use in these fields is still under development.