Supramolecular Architectures Research Articles

Structural Characteristics and DNA Groove Binding Abilities of Two Zinc-Based Isoreticular MOFs.

In this study, we have synthesized two zinc(II)-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) designated as [Zn(4-nvp)(bdc)] ⋅ (MeOH) (1) and [Zn2(4-nvp)2(bpdc)2] ⋅ (DMF) (2) [4-nvp=4-(1-naphthylvinyl) pyridine, H2bdc=1,4-benzendicarboxylic acid and H2bpdc=4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylic acid]. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) of both compounds unveiled an interesting paddle-wheel [Zn2(O2C-C)4] secondary building block (SBB) composed of dinuclear Zn (II) centers and four dicarboxylate groups with a (4,4) square grid topology. These SBBs are interconnected giving rise to an infinite 2D layer architecture. Notably, the grid structure is composed of MeOH molecules in compound 1 and DMF molecules in compound 2, both of them arranged in a free lattice. In both compounds, 3D supramolecular architecture is ultimately formed through the stacking of 2D layers. Since the length of the bpdc ligand is higher than that of the bdc ligand, the solvent-accessible void volume is comparatively higher for compound 2. To corroborate all non-bonded interactions, Hirshfeld analysis was carried out for synthesized compounds. DNA binding application was extensively investigated through docking study. Results indicated that the synthesized compounds have strong affinities towards DNA via DNA groove binding. Henceforth, the synthesized compounds 1 and 2 would open the door for their potential applications as particular protein binders and bioactive substances.

Crystal structure of a solvated dinuclear CuII complex derived from 3,3,3′,3′-tetraethyl-1,1′-(furan-2,5-dicarbonyl)bis(thiourea)

Reaction between equimolar amounts of 3,3,3′,3′-tetraethyl-1,1′-(furan-2,5-dicarbonyl)bis(thiourea) (H2L) and CuCl2·2H2O in methanol in the presence of the supporting base Et3N gave rise to a neutral dinuclear complex bis[μ-3,3,3′,3′-tetraethyl-1,1′-(furan-2,5-dicarbonyl)bis(thioureato)]dicopper(II) dichloromethane disolvate, [Cu2(C16H22N4O3S2)2]·2CH2Cl2 or [Cu2(L)2]·2CH2Cl2. The aroylbis(thioureas) are doubly deprotonated and the resulting anions {L 2–} bond to metal ions through (S,O)-chelating moieties. The copper atoms adopt a virtually cis-square-planar environment. In the crystal, adjacent [Cu2(L)2]·2CH2Cl2 units are linked into polymeric chains along the a-axis direction by intermolecular coordinative Cu...S interactions. The co-crystallized solvent molecules play a vital role in the crystal packing. In particular, weak C—Hfuran...Cl and C—Hethyl...Cl contacts consolidate the three-dimensional supramolecular architecture.

Supramolecular architectures, Hirshfeld surfaces analysis, spectroscopic, computational and photovoltaic properties of nickel(II) binary and ternary complexes of N-phenethyl-iminodiacetate (2-) chelate

The bluish-green color nickel(II) binary and/or ternary compounds have been isolated from the solution of stoichiometric reaction between Ni(II) hydroxy-carbonate and N-phenethyl-iminodiacetic acid (H2pheida) chelating ligand in aqueous media with compound (2); [Ni(pheida)(Him)3]·4H2O and without imidazole compound (1); [Ni(pheida)(H2O)3]. The crystal pattern of binary compound [Ni(pheida)(H2O)3] (1) differs from the related tetra-hydrated ternary complex of [Ni(pheida)(Him)3]·4H2O (2) can be attributed to the presence of stronger N-(Him) spacer of imidazole ligand. The compounds reported herein, have been characterized by means of elemental analysis, FTIR, UV–vis, TGA and X-ray crystallography. Moreover, the distinctive inter-molecular forces particularly H-bonding interactions, 2D fingerprint plots and supramolecular architecture have been studied using Hirshfeld surface analysis. The nickel(II) binary and ternary complexes (1) and (2) show distorted octahedral geometry around the Ni(II) ion of the type 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 imposed by 3d8 electronic configuration with degenerate fully and half occupied t2g6 and eg2 orbitals respectively. The higher John-Teller distortion has been observed for complex (2) than that of complex (1). The IDA arm of chelate adopted fac-NO2 conformation in both complexes (1) and (2). Moreover, the photovoltaic properties as semiconducting nature for ligand and their corresponding Ni(II) complexes were estimated using Tauc’s equation, αhν = A(hν-Eg)r, where r = ½ for indirect and 2 for direct electronic transitions through UV–vis absorption data. The indirect and direct electronic transition bandgap (Eg) calculated for complex (1) is 2.0 and 3.07 eV respectively. Similarly, 2.55 and 4.39 eV respectively measured for complex (2).

Crystal structure of the heterometallic complex of Co(II) and Nd(III) with phenanthroline

A new heterometallic complex of CoII and NdIII with phenathroline [Co(Рhen)3][Nd(NO3)5(H2O)][Nd(NO3)4(H2O)2]H2O was synthesized for the first time by the self-assembly method. The crystal structure of the complex was determined by X-ray crystallography. The compound is an anion-cation complex and crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n with unit cell parameters a=12.4251(4) Å, b=11.7206(3) Å, c=36.5374(12) Å, ==900, =90.581(3)0. In the crystalline phase, the complex is in the form of a crystal hydrate with a composition of 1:1. The anionic part of the complex consists of two nitrate hydrated NdIII complexes: [Nd(NO3)5(H2O)]2– and [Nd(NO3)4(H2O)2]–, in which the coordination number of neodymium is 11 and 10, respectively. The [Co(Phen)3]3+ ion is a cationic part of the complex in which the CoII atom has a distorted CoN6 octahedral environment, bidentately coordinating three phenanthroline molecules. Due to intermolecular hydrogen bonds (N–HO, O–HO), a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture is formed in the crystal, in which the polymer layers are packed parallel along the crystallographic axis a.

Association Constant of the Charge‐Transfer Complex Between Pyrene and Naphthalenediimide Derivatives in PDMS Elastomers

AbstractPolydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomers with varying crosslink densities were synthesized using prepolymers with different molecular weights. The association constants (Ka) between a pyrene derivative (PySi) and naphthalenediimide derivative (NDISi) were measured in linear PDMS and PDMS elastomers. The shape of the absorption peak in the charge‐transfer (CT) band and the association constants were nearly independent of the crosslink density. Moreover, the temperature dependence of the association constants demonstrated consistent behavior across all PDMS media. This indicates that the structure of the CT complex and the Gibbs free energy of its formation in the PDMS are unaffected by the crosslink density, providing insights into the design of supramolecular architectures formed by the CT complex in a PDMS network.

Metal-Phenolic Networks: A Promising Frontier in Cancer Theranostics.

The burgeoning field of cancer theranostics has been significantly advanced by the development of Metal-Phenolic Networks (MPNs), a new class of supramolecular architectures that integrate the advantages of metals and polyphenols. This review focuses on MPNs and their promising applications in cancer theranostics. Through a systematic literature search spanning from 2010 to 2023 in databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The period of search was justified by the rapid evolution of nanomaterials in cancer therapy, with MPNs emerging as a significant player in biomedical applications within the specified timeframe. This review discusses the classification and structure of polyphenolic compounds, as well as their mechanisms of action in cancer treatment. The applications of MPNs in chemotherapy drug delivery, photothermal therapy, chemodynamic therapy, biomedical imaging, and synergistic therapy are especially detailed. The authors emphasize the significance of MPNs in cancer nanomedicine and look forward to their future development directions.

Understanding the Role of NHC Ditopic Ligand Substituents in the Molecular Diversity and Emissive Properties of Silver Complexes.

Silver bis(carbene) complexes featuring ditopic N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have been synthesized which enable the assembly of supramolecular architectures via reaction with silver triflate. Through a systematic exploration of crystal structures and emissive properties, this study investigates the impact of the substituents on the NHC ditopic ligands [R-Im-2-Z-py], where R = Me, benzyl (Bz), or 2-naphthylmethyl (NaphCH2), and Z = H or Cl in the structural framework and emissive properties observed in the silver bis(carbene) or polynuclear species. Remarkably diverse structural motifs emerge in both of them, predominantly influenced by the choice of R wingtip and second by the Z substituent. Also the emissive quantum yield of the complexes is mostly governed by the selection of the R wingtip and further modulated by the Z substituent. Several of the mono and polynuclear complexes exhibit complex emissive profiles, including the observation of dual emission phenomena. Particularly noteworthy is the complex [Ag(NHC)]2]OTf (R = Bz, Z = Cl), which demonstrates an exceptionally intense single blue emission with a remarkable solid-state quantum yield (Φ) of 24%.

Switchable pH-Responsive Morphologies of Coassembled Nucleobase Copolymers.

This work presents supramolecular coassembled nucleobase copolymers with transitional morphologies upon pH changes (from 7.4 to 10). Uracil- and adenine-containing copolymers were prepared by RAFT, which allowed us to finely tailor the polymerization degree and the composition. The coassembled formulations prepared in an aqueous buffer at two distinct pH (7.4 and 10) formed spherical morphologies at physiological pH. The increase of the pH induced the apparition of various large, irreversible anisotropic supramolecular architectures. Isothermal titration calorimetry revealed that the coassembly at pH 7.4 was mainly guided by H-bonds between complementary nucleobases, while the experiments conducted at pH 10 showed that the assemblies were mainly driven by hydrophobic interactions. These results highlight that the nature of supramolecular interactions (H-bonds or hydrophobic interactions) has a great influence on the morphology of nucleobase-containing coassemblies when changing the pH. These findings may provide further perspectives in the field of advanced nanomaterials.

Noncoordinating Anions as Key Modulators of Supramolecular Structures, Optical and Electrical Properties in Nickel(II) Complexes.

This study explores the synthesis, structural characterization, and examination of two nickel(II) complexes, [Ni(N 3 L 1 )2](NO3)2 (complex 1) and [Ni(N 3 L 1 )2](ClO4)2 (complex 2), using the newly synthesized organic heterocyclic chelating ligand N 3 L 1 [4-imidazole-2,6-di(pyrazinyl)pyridine]. Through single-crystal X-ray diffraction, we have detailed the crystal structures of these complexes, highlighting their distorted octahedral geometries and diverse supramolecular interactions including π···π stacking, anion···π, and hydrogen bonding. These interactions crucially influence the formation of distinct one- and two-dimensional supramolecular architectures. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were utilized to probe these noncovalent interactions, revealing insights into their stereoelectronic influence and stability in the solid state. Additionally, the electronic properties of the complexes were explored through their electrical characterizations in Schottky diodes, which suggest the potential of these complexes in Schottky diode based electronic devices applications. Notably, complex 2, incorporating perchlorate anions, exhibited better electrical properties than complex 1. This work aims to elucidate the role of noncoordinating counteranions in the structural integrity and photophysical behavior of these complexes, while also providing a structure-function correlation through detailed theoretical analysis.

From Double-Stranded Helicates to Abiotic Double Helical Supramolecular Assemblies.

The folding of oligomeric strands is the method that nature has selected to generate ordered assemblies presenting spectacular functions. In the purpose to mimic these biomacro-molecules and extend their properties and functions, chemists make important efforts to prepare artificial secondary, tertiary, and even quarternary structures based on folded abiotic backbones. A large variety of oligomers and polymers, encoded with chemical informations, were designed, synthesized and characterized, and the establishment of non-covalent interactions lead to complex and functional supramolecular architectures resulting from a spontaneous self-assembly process. The association of comple-mentary molecular strands into double helical structures is a common structural pattern of nucleic acids and proteins, so the synthesis of bio-inspired double helices has emerged as an important subject. In recent years, a number of synthetic oligo-mers have been reported to form stable double helices and it was shown that the equilibrium between single and double helices can be controlled via different stimuli like the modification of the solvent or the temperature. This kind of structure presents highly interesting functions, such as molecular recognition within the cavity of double helices, and some other potential applications will emerge in the future.

Synthesis, crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis, DFT computations and protein binding efficiency of a 1-D Ni(II) chain derived from a tridentate Schiff base ligand

A new Ni(II)-azido 1-D coordination polymer, [Ni2L2(μ1,1-N3)(μ1,3-N3)]n, was obtained through reaction of 1-[(3-dimethylamino-propylimino)-methyl]-naphthalen-2-ol (HL) and the perchlorate salt of nickel(II) in the presence of pseudohalide azide. X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic experiments (IR and UV-Vis) were used to describe this coordination polymer (CP). Single crystal X-ray studies revealed that the CP is a one-dimensional chain of Ni(II) in which the neighboring dimeric units (triply bridged by di-μ2-phenoxidoand µ1,1-N3) are further connected by μ1,3-azido bridges in a zig-zag fashion. The cooperative participation of N···H hydrogen bonding, π···π stacking and C-H···π interactions occur during crystal packing. A 2-D supramolecular architecture with star-shaped voids results from additional C–H···π stacking interactions. Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to look at the intermolecular interactions. DFT studies were carried out to calculate the HOMO-LUMO band gap of the ligand as well as the coordination polymer. Interaction of the CP with bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein was investigated spectroscopically by absorption and fluorescence titration methods. The result showed that the CP could quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) studies revealed that energy transfer takes place from BSA to the CP. Cyclic voltammetry of the CP indicated an irreversible cathodic redox couple assigned to Ni(II)/Ni(I).

Hydrogen-bonding interactions in the salts 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidin-1-ium sorbate dihydrate, 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidin-1-ium N-phenylantharanilate and 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidin-1-ium p-toluenesulfonate.

Three salts, namely, 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidin-1-ium sorbate dihydrate, C4H8N5+·C6H7O2-·2H2O, (I), 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidin-1-ium N-phenylanthranilate, C4H8N5+·C13H10NO2-, (II), and 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidin-1-ium p-toluenesulfonate, C4H8N5+·C7H7O3S-, (III), were synthesized, characterized by X-ray diffraction techniques and their supramolecular interactions investigated. In all three crystal structures, protonation of the pyrimidine moiety occurs at the N1 position and is reflected in a widening of the C-N-C bond angle. In salts (I)-(III), the primary acid-base interaction occurs through a pair of N-H...O hydrogen bonds to give a heterodimeric R22(8) synthon. Salts (II) and (III) form a discrete centrosymmetric base pair that produces a homodimeric R22(8) synthon and salt (I) forms a water-mediated base pair resulting in a tetrameric R44(12) synthon. The supramolecular patterns exhibited by sulfonate salt (III) mimic the patterns of carboxylate salt (II) and both exhibit a DADA array (D = donor and A = acceptor) quadruple hydrogen-bonded pattern. The crystal structures of salts (I) and (III) are stabilized by offset and face-to-face aromatic π-π stacking interactions, respectively. The resulting architectures in salts (I)-(III) are a supramolecular sheet with a rosette-like architecture in (I), a supramolecular sheet-like architecture in (II) and a three-dimensional supramolecular network in (III).

Storehouse of Peculiar Supramolecular Architecture: Probing the Charge-Transfer Phenomenon and Effect of Altering the pH in a Meta-Oriented Single Donor-Double Acceptor Fluorophore.

The investigation of excited-state intramolecular charge transfer (ESICT) has been a fascinating area of research. Although the ESICT events have been studied mostly for para-disubstituted donor-acceptor type molecules, the meta-oriented donor-acceptor type molecules have also shown tremendous potential as ESICT active molecules. In the current work, a small fluorescent probe diethyl 5-amino isophthalate (DE-5A-IPA) was investigated as a potential model to investigate ESICT events in the solution as well as solid phase. DE-5A-IPA was synthesized easily starting from commercially available 5-amino isophthalic acid in excellent yield. In the solid state, differing extents of CH···π-type binding led to formation of fully planar and puckered "cyclobutane" mimic supramolecular architecture, as evidenced from the crystal structure analysis. In addition, the single crystal structure of DE-5A-IPA shows that the donor (-NH2) and acceptor (-CO2Et) are situated in the same plane, thereby assuring the prerequisites of a through-space charge transfer. DE-5A-IPA undergoes noticeable Stokes shift (in cm-1) when the polarity of the medium was changed (4820 cm-1 in hexane; 9375 cm-1 in water). The excited-state dipole moment (μe) was calculated to be 4.0 units higher than the ground-state dipole moment (μg). DE-5A-IPA had an appreciable quantum yield (0.10 ± 0.03 to 0.27 ± 0.04). The ESICT phenomenon was also investigated by ground- and excited-state structural calculations using Gaussian 16 software. The excited-state lifetime measured by the time correlated single photon counting technique was found to vary with the polarity of the solvent, thereby providing further support to the ESICT phenomenon being operative in DE-5A-IPA. Taking advantage of the -NH2 group (which is susceptible to protonation) in DE-5A-IPA, steady state and time-resolved photodynamics were investigated in solutions of varying pH values. Interestingly, the emission quantum yields as well as the emission lifetime increase with an increase in pH value, thereby establishing DE-5A-IPA as a pH-sensitive probe. The current findings shall boost the understanding of meta-oriented ESICT enabled compounds in terms of their excited-state photophysics.

Structural insights into supramolecular interactions in isostructural salts of 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidinium with various heterocyclic carboxylates.

2,4,6-Triaminopyrimidine is an interesting and challenging molecule due to the presence of multiple hydrogen-bond donors and acceptors. Its noncovalent interactions with a variety of carboxylic acids provide several supramolecular aggregates with frequently occurring molecular synthons. The present work focuses on the supramolecular interactions of 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidinium 3-(indol-3-yl)propionate-3-(indol-3-yl)propionic acid (1/1), C4H8N5+·C11H10NO2-·C11H11NO2, (I), 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidinium 2-(indol-3-yl)acetate, C4H8N5+·C10H8NO2-, (II), 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidinium 5-bromothiophene-2-carboxylate, C4H8N5+·C5H2BrO2S-, (III), and 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidinium 5-chlorothiophene-2-carboxylate, C4H8N5+·C5H2ClO2S-, (IV). All four salts exhibit robust homomeric and heteromeric R22(8) ring motifs. Salts (I) and (II) develop sextuple [in (I)] and quadruple [in (I) and (II)] hydrogen-bonded arrays through fused-ring motifs. Salt (II) exhibits a rosette-like architecture. Salt (IV) is isostructural and isomorphous with salt (III), exhibiting an identical crystal structure with a different composition and an identical supramolecular architecture. In salts (III) and (IV), a linear hetero-tetrameric motif is formed and, in addition, both salts exhibit halogen-π interactions which enhance the crystal stability. All four salts develop a supramolecular hydrogen-bonded pattern facilitated by several N-H...O and N-H...N hydrogen bonds with multiple furcated donors and acceptors.

Sensitive Detection and Visual Recognition of Jatrorrhizine Based on a Fluorescent Eu Coordination Polymer Probe

ABSTRACTBased on 4‐([2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridin]‐4′‐yl) benzoic acid ligand (Htpba), a fluorescent lanthanide coordination polymer was successfully synthesized, namely, [Eu (tpba)3]n (1). The single‐crystal diffraction analysis shows that Eu3+ ions in complex 1 are alternately connected with tpba3− ligands to form a one‐dimensional chain structure, which further constitutes a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture through the π···π interactions. Complex 1 demonstrated excellent stability of thermogravimetry; and displayed good fluorescence intensity in aqueous solution with a wide pH range. In this work, complex 1 was used as a fluorescence sensor for the detection of jatrorrhizine molecule (JAT). It was found that complex 1 had high sensitivity with the detection limit of 1.02 × 10−8 M, and simultaneously displayed specific selectivity and reutilization for the exploration of JAT molecule. The static quenching, the absorption competition, the electrostatic interactions, and the photo‐induced electron transfer process are responsible for the recognition mechanism of complex 1 with sensing JAT. It is worth mentioning that a fluorescent film based on complex 1 and a light‐emitting diode device coated with the powder of complex 1 were successfully fabricated, which could rapidly recognize JAT molecule with the naked eye further.

Heteronuclear cadmium(II)/cobalt(III) cyanide coordination polymers with 1-methylimidazole and 1-ethylimidazole ligands: synthesis, characterization and catalytic activities

Two new heteronuclear Cd(II)/Co(III) compounds, {[Cd(1-meim)3Cd0.5(1-meim)Co(μ-CN)4(CN)2]}n (1) and {[Cd(1-etim)3Cd0.5(1-etim)2Co(μ-CN)3(CN)3]⋅H2O}n (2) (1-meim: 1-methylimidazole, 1-etim = 1-ethylimidazole), have been synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The single crystal X-ray study shows that the compound 1 exhibited a 1D double chain structure and is further linked into 3D supramolecular architectures through CH⋅⋅⋅N and π⋅⋅⋅π interactions. Whereas the compound 2 displayed 2D network which is extended into a 3D supramolecular framework by OH⋅⋅⋅N hydrogen bonds and CH∙∙∙π interactions. In 1 and 2, each Co(III) ion is coordinated by six carbon atoms from cyanide ligands, thus showing an octahedral coordination geometry. Cd1 and Cd2 ions exhibited two different geometries, distorted trigonal bipyramidal and octahedral. Furthermore, phase purities, catalytic and thermal properties were investigated.

Synergistic effect of hydrogen bonding and C–H…π interactions to modulate the supramolecular assemblies of isobenzofuranones: X-ray crystallography, DFT analysis and antihyperglycemic potential

This manuscript reports the synthesis, X-ray characterization and antihyperglycemic potential of two isobenzofuranone derivatives. The Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of 5-bromoisobenzofuran-1(3H)-one with phenylboronic acid and p-tolylboronic acid under the action of palladium catalysis afforded the desired compounds in good yields. The structures were fully established using FTIR and NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The study further delves into the synergistic effects of hydrogen bonding and C–H…π interactions on the supramolecular assemblies of isobenzofuranones, leveraging a holistic approach that combines X-ray crystallography, Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis, and evaluation of antihyperglycemic activity. Focusing on two isobenzofuranone derivatives, we meticulously elucidate their structural features and how noncovalent interactions shape their crystal packing. Our exploration extends to assessing the antihyperglycemic potential of these compounds, underpinned by α-glucosidase inhibitory assays and augmented by molecular docking analysis. Compound 3b showed the best potency with an IC50 value of 13 ± 0.01 µM which is 67-folds strong inhibition than acarbose (IC50 = 870.2 ± 1.54 µM). Furthermore, the admetSAR and ProTox-II demonstrated that compound 3b follows the druggable criteria with a safe toxicity profile. Overall, these findings highlight the pivotal role of noncovalent interactions in modulating the supramolecular architectures of isobenzofuranones, thereby offering insights into their therapeutic potential against diabetes mellitus.

An experimental and computational investigation of the cyclopentene-containing peptide-derived compounds: focus on pseudo-cyclic motifs via intramolecular interactions.

Conformational flexibility is one of the main disadvantages of peptide-based compounds. We focus on their molecular 'chameleonicity' related to forming pseudo-cyclic motifs via modulation of weak intramolecular interactions. It is an appealing strategy for controlling equilibrium between the polar open and the nonpolar closed conformations. Within this context, we report here the crystal structure of the (R)-(2-tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino-1-oxo-3-phenyl)propyl)-1-cyclopentene (1), synthesis of which in high yield was achieved by a facile multi-step protocol. Our Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) overview for the peptide-based crystals revealed the exclusivity of this compound from the viewpoint of the unusual pseudo-bicyclic system via C-H…O and C-O…π interactions, in which cyclopentene shields the amide bond. Notably, cyclopentene as a bioisostere of proline is an appealing scaffold in medicinal chemistry. An extensive combined experimental and computational study provided more profound insight into the supramolecular landscape of 1 with respect to similar derivatives deposited in the CSD, including the tendency of cyclopentene for the generation of pseudo-cyclic motifs through weak H-bonding and π-based intramolecular interactions. These weak interactions have been examined by either the quantum theory of 'atoms-in-molecules' (QTAIM) or complex Hirshfeld surface methodology, including enrichment ratios, molecular electrostatic potential surfaces and energy frameworks. In all analysed crystals, all types of H-bonded motifs involving cyclopentene are formed at all levels of supramolecular architecture. A library of cyclopentene-based H-bonding synthons is provided. A molecular docking study depicted vital interactions of cyclopentene with key amino acid residues inside the active sites of two prominent protein kinases, uncovering the therapeutic potential of 1 against breast cancer. To a large extent, dispersion forces have significance in stabilizing the supramolecular structure of both ligand and bio-complex ligand-protein. Finally, the satisfactory in silico bio-pharmacokinetic profile of 1 related to drug-likeness and blood-brain barrier permeation was also revealed.

Supramolecular Architectures of Dendritic Polymers Provide Irreversible Inhibitor to Block Viral Infection.

In Nature, most known objects can perform their functions only when in supramolecular self-assembled from, e.g. protein complexes and cell membranes. Here, a dendritic polymer is presented that inhibits severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with an irreversible (virucidal) mechanism only when self-assembled into a Two-dimmensional supramolecular polymer (2D-SupraPol). Monomeric analogs of the dendritic polymer can only inhibit SARS-CoV-2 reversibly, thus allowing for the virus to regain infectivity after dilution. Upon assembly, 2D-SupraPol shows a remarkable half-inhibitory concentration (IC50 30nM) in vitro and in vivo in a Syrian Hamster model has a good efficacy. Using cryo-TEM, it is shown that the 2D-SupraPol has a controllable lateral size that can be tuned by adjusting the pH and use small angle X-ray and neutron scattering to unveil the architecture of the supramolecular assembly. This functional 2D-SupraPol, and its supramolecular architecture are proposed, as a prophylaxis nasal spray to inhibit the virus interaction with the respiratory tract.

Programmable Reconfiguration of Supramolecular Bottlebrush Block Copolymers: From Solution Self-Assembly to Co-Crystallization-Assistant Self-Assembly.

Achieving structural reconfiguration of supramolecular bottlebrush block copolymers toward topological engineering is of particular interest but challenging. Here, we address the creation of supramolecular architectures to discover how assembled topology influences the structured aggregates, combining hydrogen-bonded (H-bonded) bottlebrush block copolymers and electrostatic interaction induced polymer/inorganic eutectics. We first design H-bonding linear-brush block copolymer P(NBDAP-co-NBC)-b-P(NBPEO), bearing linear block P(NBDAP-co-NBC) (poly(norbornene-terminated diaminopyridine-co-norbornene-terminated hexane)) with pendant H-bonding DAP (diaminopyridine) motifs, and PEO (poly(ethylene oxide)) densely grafted P(NBPEO) brush block. Thanks to H-bonding association between DAP and thymine (Thy), incorporation of Thy-functionalized polystyrene (Thy-PS65) enables solution self-assembly and formation of H-bonded bottlebrush block copolymers, generating augmented nanospheres with increasing Thy-PS65 amount. Noteworthy that integration of inorganic cluster silicotungstic acid (STA) to P(NBC-co-NBDAP)-b-P(NBPEO), endows the formation of PEO/STA eutectic core. Therefore, co-crystallization-assistant self-assembly at the interfaces of polymeric, inorganic and supramolecular chemistry is realized, reflecting multi-stage morphology transformation from hexagonal platelets, needle-like, curved rod-like micelles, finally to end-to-end closed rings, by gradually increasing Thy-PS65 while fixing STA content. Interestingly, such solution self-assembly to co-crystallization-assistant self-assembly strategy not only endows unique nanostructure transition, also induce in-to-out reconfiguration of PS domains. These findings clearly provide unique methodology towards programmable fabrication of geometrical objects promising in smart materials.