Supramolecular Systems

Supramolecular chemistry provides ingenious strategies for the elaboration of functional systems from readily available molecular components. These methodologies have been used for the development of sensors, catalysts, energy or electron transfer systems, agents for photodynamic therapy and so forth. This book reviews the chemistry, types and applications of supramolecular systems. Chapter One discusses the design and applications of supramolecular systems based on (thia)calixarene ammonium derivatives. Chapter Two gives an overview of the methods of stabilisation of the elusive bare {V6O19} structure by different capping moieties and substituents, illustrates the main synthetic strategies toward the formation of fully-oxidised {VV6}, mixed-valence {VV/VI6}, and fully reduced {VIV6} trisalkoxohexavanadates, describes bis-(trisalkoxo)hexavanadates obtained by post-functionalisation reactions, and details their reactivity towards transition metals and lanthanoid complexes. Chapter Three emphasises the suitability of supramolecular interactions to provide porous materials which have been called Supramolecular Metal-Organic Frameworks (SMOFs). Chapter Four discusses self-assembly of porphyrins in the context of its relevance to photosynthesis.

Leading experts provide a timely and comprehensive overview of the use of supramolecular systems in biomedical applications.

Molecular self-assembly is a widespread phenomenon in both chemistry and biochemistry. Yet it was not until the rise of supramolecular chemistry that attention has increasingly been given to the designed self-assembly of a variety of synthetic molecules and ions. To a large extent, success in this area has reflected knowledge gained from nature. However, an increased awareness of the latent steric and electronic information implanted in individual molecular components has also contributed to this success. Whilst not yet approaching the sophistication of biological assemblies, synthetic systems of increasing subtlety and considerable aesthetic appeal have been created. Self-Assembly in Supramolecular Systems surveys highlights of the progress made in the creation of discrete synthetic assemblies and provides a foundation for new workers in the area, as well as background reading for experienced supramolecular chemists.

The Exploration of Supramolecular Systems and Nanostructures by Photochemical Techniques provides a comprehensive view of the most commonly used photochemical and photophysical techniques and their applications to the study of supramolecular systems. Optical inputs are extremely powerful in the study of nanostructures since they can be used both to “read” the state of the system and to provide it energy to work. After a brief introduction to the realm of photochemistry, electronically excited state formation and the different pathways of excited state deactivation, the book focuses on the theoretical basis and the practical aspects related to the most widely used photophysical and photochemical techniques, from absorption to time-resolved emission techniques with polarized light. Each chapter illustrates an example of the application of that particular technique to the study of a supramolecular system. The Exploration of Supramolecular Systems and Nanostructures by Photochemical Techniques not only discusses the latest advances of the field of supramolecular photochemistry but it also offers technical and operative details useful in the laboratory. It is therefore suitable for both the novice and the expert.

A complete overview of the different methods of preparing and studying self-assembled structures at surfaces and interfaces.

Non-covalent interactions, which are the heart of supramolecular chemistry are also the basis of most important functions of living systems. The ability to apply supramolecular chemistry principles to the life sciences, such as designing synthetic host compounds to selectively interact within biological targets, has gained wide appeal due the vast number of potential applications. Supramolecular Systems for Biomedical Fields provides in sixteen chapters a comprehensive overview of these applications. Each chapter covers a specific topic and is written by internationally renowned experts in that area. Sensing of bioactive inorganic ions and organic substrates is the focus of several contributions, as well as interactions with proteins and nucleic acids. Specific chapters are devoted to cyclodextrins, calixarenes and cucurbiturils as most frequently used receptors, including applications such as drug delivery and protection, gene transfer and others. Other chapters address the use of combinatorial libraries, molecular imprinting techniques, enzyme assays, supramolecular gels, bioimaging, drug activation, photodynamic therapy, and antitumour metal complexes. This timely publication will appeal to graduate students and researchers from chemical, pharmaceutical, biological, and medicinal fields interested in the supramolecular chemistry of biological systems and their practical potentials.

This book investigates the latest developments in supramolecular assembly systems for mimicking biological structures and functions. Consisting of 14 chapters, it covers various assembly systems, such as polysaccharides, peptides, proteins, biopolymers, natural materials and various hybrid systems. Further, it focuses on different types of supramolecular systems with particular functions or structures that are relevant to living systems. A number of modern techniques used to study the supramolecular systems, such as total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) and two-photon confocal microscopy, are also introduced in detail. Unlike conventional books on supramolecular assemblies, this book highlights the functions of the assembly systems, particularly their biological applications. As such, it offers a valuable resource for experienced researchers, as well as graduate students working in the field of supramolecular chemistry and biomimetic systems.

Supramolecular aggregation—driven by weak non-covalent interactions, such as van der Waals, π–π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic—has been utilized to build sensing platforms with improved selectivity and sensitivity. Supramolecular aggregates, owing to cooperative interactions, higher sensitivity and selectivity, relatively weak and dynamic non-covalent interactions, and environmental adaptation, have achieved better sensing performance than that of molecular sensory systems that rely on sensors with delicate structures. Aggregation of Luminophores in Supramolecular System: From Mechanisms to Applications describes recent advances in supramolecular chemistry, in which the luminophores are almost non-luminescent in the molecular state, but become highly emissive in the aggregate state. These advances bring new opportunities and challenges for the development of supramolecular chemistry. The intermolecular non-covalent interactions have been considered to be the main driving forces for fabricating supramolecular systems with aggregating luminophores and have an important influence on the luminescence properties of the probes. Based on these unique properties, luminescent supramolecular aggregates have greatly promoted the development of novel materials for applications as sensors, bio-imaging agents, organic electronic devices, and in the field of drug delivery. Features:  Discussion of fundamental and interdisciplinary aspects of the aggregation in supramolecular systems.  Narration of intermolecular interactions and the photophysical phenomenon of aggregation in supramolecular systems.  Comparative discussion on recent developments in aggregation-induced quenching (AIQ) and aggregation-induced emission (AIE), and drawbacks of AIQ.  Description of the technological applications of aggregation as biological sensors, chemical sensors, organic electronic materials, and in the field of drug delivery.  A convenient format for checking formulas and definitions. This book surveys highlights of the progress made in the field of the aggregation of luminophores in supramolecular chemistry. It is hoped that the work will form a foundation (and indeed a motivation) for new workers in the area, as well as also being useful to experienced supramolecular chemists. It may also aid workers in the biological area to see Nature’s aggregation in a new light. Further, the approach employed has been designed to provide readable background material for use with graduates, senior undergraduates, research professionals, and industries.