The Liquid Crystal Phase of Poly-γ-benzyl-L-glutamate in Solution and in the Solid State

Concentrated solutions and solid films of Poly-γ-benzyl-L-glutamate have been examined using proton magnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy. The unusual findings can be correlated with the cholesteric-like liquid crystal phase known to exist in concentrated solutions of this polypeptide.