Molecular recognition and self-assembly special feature: Disproportionation and self-sorting in molecular encapsulation.

ABSTRACT: Self-assembled capsules are nanoscale structures made up of multiple synthetic subunits held together by weak intermolecular forces. They act as host structures that can completely surround small molecule guests of the appropriate size, shape and chemical surface. Like their biological counterparts, multimeric enzymes and receptors, the subunits of the capsules are generally identical, and lead to homomeric assemblies of high symmetry. In both biological and synthetic systems small variations in structures are tolerated and lead to heteromeric assemblies with slightly different recognition properties. The synthetic capsules are dynamic, with lifetimes from milliseconds to hours, and allow the direct spectroscopic observation of smaller molecules inside, under ambient conditions at equilibr

SUBMITTER: Ajami D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2705539 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature