Selenium/tellurium containing polymer materials in nanobiotechnology

• The application of selenium/tellurium containing polymers in fabricating functional nanomaterials is highlighted.
• Selenium/tellurium chemistry can be used to construct stimuli-responsive systems with enhanced sensitivity.
• The biological activities of selenium and tellurium elements endow the materials with tunable biological functions.
• The perspective and challenges of selenium/tellurium containing polymer materials are discussed.

SummarySelenium/tellurium containing polymers have been attracting growing interest due to their unique properties and potential applications as bio-nanomaterials. The introduction of selenium or tellurium chemistry into block copolymers endows self-assembled nanomaterials with novel stimuli responsiveness and enhanced sensitivity. This review article provides an overview on recent advances of selenium/tellurium containing polymers. We summarize the redox response and reversible self-assembly behaviors, γ-ray responsive systems for combined chemo- and radio-therapies, and coordination-responsive systems for controlled delivery are highlighted. The review then reveals how selenium-containing polymers can modulate reactive oxygen species and work as gene delivery vehicles or self-delivery therapeutics.

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