polyLornithine

PolyLornithine refers to a polymer composed of repeating ornithine units. Ornithine is a non-proteinogenic amino acid, meaning it is not one of the 20 standard amino acids that make up proteins. PolyLornithine can be synthesized through various polymerization techniques, often involving protected ornithine monomers. The properties of polyLornithine depend on factors such as molecular weight, stereochemistry (e.g., poly-L-ornithine or poly-D-ornithine), and counterions. Poly-L-ornithine, in particular, has garnered interest due to its cationic nature at physiological pH, stemming from the presence of multiple positively charged amino groups in its side chains. This cationic character has led to investigations into its potential applications in areas such as drug delivery, gene therapy, and as antimicrobial agents. The positive charges can interact with negatively charged biological molecules like DNA and cell membranes. Research into polyLornithine is ongoing, exploring its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and efficacy in various biomedical contexts. Modifications to the polymer backbone or side chains can also be made to tailor its properties for specific uses.