Selenol-yne click (SYC) polymerization enables advanced <?A3B2 pi6?>poly(ester amide)s for biomedical and sustainable solutions

Poly(ester amide)s (PEAs) represent promising biomaterials because of their well-balanced mechanical properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. However, practical applications of PEAs are still limited by challenges in functional versatility and environmental adaptability. Here, we present the first synthesis of periodic selenium-incorporated PEAs (Se-PEAs) via a rapid, catalyst-free selenol-yne click polymerization process. By harnessing the versatility of selenium, we achieved precise modulation of material properties. The resulting Se-PEAs demonstrated tunable mechanical behavior, spanning rigid plastics to elastomers, alongside exceptional thermal stability and high optical clarity. Programmable degradation profiles ensure long-term stability in physiological environments while facilitating rapid oxidative degradation at the end of the lifecycle. Surface selenoniumization further conferred robust antibacterial efficacy without compromising mechanical integrity. This multifunctionality positions Se-PEAs as transformative materials for biomedical implants, sustainable packaging, and high-refractive-index optics. Our work advanced functional polymer design and underscored the potential of selenium chemistry in addressing global challenges in terms of plastic waste and ecological sustainability.