Chiral Nanomaterials Based on Helical Polymers: Controlled Synthesis, Distinct Properties and Diverse Applications

Abstract Helical structure is one of the common structures in many natural macromolecules such as DNA and protein. In order to mimic the structures and functions of chiral nanoarchitectures in nature, various chiral nanomaterials generated from artificial helical polymers are fabricated successfully. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in chiral nanomaterials derived from helical polymers, focusing on their controlled formation, distinctive properties, and diverse applications. Helical polymers, such as polyacetylenes, polyisocyanides, and polycarbenes, serve as versatile building blocks for constructing well-defined chiral nanostructures through strategies including noncovalent interactions, covalent interactions, template-directed synthesis, and light-induced synthesis. These nanomaterials exhibit unique chiroptical, enantioselective, and stimuli-responsive characteristics, enabling their applications in circularly polarized luminescence (CPL), chiral separation and recognition, asymmetric catalysis, and targeted drug delivery. The precise control over helical conformation and supramolecular organization allows for tailored functionality and enhanced performance in technological and biomedical contexts. By integrating recent advances in synthetic strategies, property modulation, and applications, this review elucidates structure–property relationships and offers insights into the rational design of helical polymer-based chiral nanomaterials.