Azu 

Roughly twenty-one naturally occurring amino acids exist, differing only in side chain identity. Peptoids, or n-substituted glycine oligomers, are synthetic peptido-mimetic molecules with high biostability; moreover, they have potential for infinite variations, as chemists select each side chain using the innovative submonomer method. Further functionalization by post-oligomerization modification can be achieved via click chemistry. As peptoids are biologically promising and can incorporate almost any chemical characteristic, they can be tailored for human use in settings like drug delivery or gender-affirming care. I designed a novel peptoid that carries two prevalent sex hormones, ethisterone and ethynylestradiol. Thus far, I’ve successfully oligomerized my peptoid to a 16mer using submonomer chemistry and have attached an ethisterone unit using copper(I) catalyzed azido-alkyl cycloaddition click. Hormone—and queer-related—matters are systemically underfunded and researched. The peptoid field is a promising path towards addressing this social justice and public health issue by providing new hormone delivery models: peptoids can be a safer, patient-specific, and affordable treatment option.