Bottlebrush Polymers: From Synthesis to Properties and Applications

Bottlebrush polymers (BBPs) have emerged as a special class of macromolecules composed of a linear backbone as the main chain with densely grafted polymeric side chains. BBPs present many unique properties, such as low chain entanglement, high extension of backbone, and extremely low plateau shear moduli relative to their linear analogs due to the distinct conformational and topological characteristics. This review summarizes the recent significant advances of BBPs, from synthetic methods to their versatile properties and applications in areas of super-soft elastomers, photonic crystals, self-assembly, friction, biomimetic tissues, bio-interfacial interactions to enhance cell penetration and anti-fouling performance, drug delivery, and other emerging applications (polymer electrolyte, catalyst support, and covalent adaptable networks). Meanwhile, molecular dynamic simulations are discussed as a tool to disclose the relationship between conformational structures and their properties. This review will comprehensively summarize recent studies on BBPs, point out the direction of BBPs and give a prediction of the application trend, and comment on future studies on BBPs.