Dynamic Interconversions of Single Molecules Probed by Recognition Tunneling at Cucurbit[7]uril-Functionalized Supramolecular Junctions.

ABSTRACT: We introduce a versatile recognition tunneling technique using doubly cucurbit[7]uril-functionalized electrodes to form supramolecular junctions that capture analytes dynamically by host-guest complexation. This results in characteristic changes in their single-molecule conductance. For structurally related drug molecules (camptothecin, sanguinarine, chelerythrine, and berberine) and mixtures thereof, we observed distinct current switching signals related to their intrinsic conductance properties as well as pH-dependent effects which can be traced back to their different states (protonated versus neutral). The conductance variation of a single molecule with pH shows a sigmoidal distribution, allowing us to extract a pK_a value for reversible protonation, which is consistent with

SUBMITTER: Xiao B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9324061 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature