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Raviv U, Asor R, Shemesh A, Ginsburg A, Ben-Nun T, Schilt Y, Levartovsky Y, Ringel I. Insight into structural biophysics from solution X-ray scattering. J Struct Biol 2023; 215:108029. [PMID: 37741561 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2023.108029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
The current challenges of structural biophysics include determining the structure of large self-assembled complexes, resolving the structure of ensembles of complex structures and their mass fraction, and unraveling the dynamic pathways and mechanisms leading to the formation of complex structures from their subunits. Modern synchrotron solution X-ray scattering data enable simultaneous high-spatial and high-temporal structural data required to address the current challenges of structural biophysics. These data are complementary to crystallography, NMR, and cryo-TEM data. However, the analysis of solution scattering data is challenging; hence many different analysis tools, listed in the SAS Portal (http://smallangle.org/), were developed. In this review, we start by briefly summarizing classical X-ray scattering analyses providing insight into fundamental structural and interaction parameters. We then describe recent developments, integrating simulations, theory, and advanced X-ray scattering modeling, providing unique insights into the structure, energetics, and dynamics of self-assembled complexes. The structural information is essential for understanding the underlying physical chemistry principles leading to self-assembled supramolecular architectures and computational structural refinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Raviv
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel; The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel.
| | - Roi Asor
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Asaf Shemesh
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Avi Ginsburg
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Tal Ben-Nun
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Yaelle Schilt
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Yehonatan Levartovsky
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Israel Ringel
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9112102 Jerusalem, Israel
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2
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Borsdorf L, Herkert L, Bäumer N, Rubert L, Soberats B, Korevaar PA, Bourque C, Gatsogiannis C, Fernández G. Pathway-Controlled Aqueous Supramolecular Polymerization via Solvent-Dependent Chain Conformation Effects. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:8882-8895. [PMID: 37053499 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c12442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Solute-solvent interactions play a critical role in multiple fields, including biology, materials science, and (physical) organic, polymer, and supramolecular chemistry. Within the growing field of supramolecular polymer science, these interactions have been recognized as an important driving force for (entropically driven) intermolecular association, particularly in aqueous media. However, to date, solute-solvent effects remain poorly understood in the context of complex self-assembly energy landscapes and pathway complexity. Herein, we unravel the role of solute-solvent interactions in controlling chain conformation effects, allowing energy landscape modulation and pathway selection in aqueous supramolecular polymerization. To this end, we have designed a series of oligo(phenylene ethynylene) (OPE)-based bolaamphiphilic Pt(II) complexes OPE2-4 bearing solubilizing triethylene glycol (TEG) chains of equal length on both molecule ends, but a different size of the hydrophobic aromatic scaffold. Strikingly, detailed self-assembly studies in aqueous media disclose a different tendency of the TEG chains to fold back and enwrap the hydrophobic molecular component depending on both the size of the core and the volume fraction of the co-solvent (THF). The relatively small hydrophobic component of OPE2 can be readily shielded by the TEG chains, leading to only one aggregation pathway. In contrast, the decreased capability of the TEG chains to effectively shield larger hydrophobic cores (OPE3 and OPE4) enables different types of solvent quality-dependent conformations (extended, partly back-folded and back-folded), which in turn induce various controllable aggregation pathways with distinct morphologies and mechanisms. Our results shed light on previously underappreciated solvent-dependent chain conformation effects and their role in governing pathway complexity in aqueous media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Borsdorf
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Lorena Herkert
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Nils Bäumer
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Llorenç Rubert
- Department of Chemistry, Universitat de les Iles Balears, Cra. Valldemossa, Km. 7.5, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Bartolome Soberats
- Department of Chemistry, Universitat de les Iles Balears, Cra. Valldemossa, Km. 7.5, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Peter A Korevaar
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cole Bourque
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Busso-Peus-Straße 10, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Christos Gatsogiannis
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Busso-Peus-Straße 10, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Gustavo Fernández
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Bäumer N, Matern J, Fernández G. Recent progress and future challenges in the supramolecular polymerization of metal-containing monomers. Chem Sci 2021; 12:12248-12265. [PMID: 34603655 PMCID: PMC8480320 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc03388c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The self-assembly of discrete molecular entities into functional nanomaterials has become a major research area in the past decades. The library of investigated compounds has diversified significantly, while the field as a whole has matured. The incorporation of metal ions in the molecular design of the (supra-)molecular building blocks greatly expands the potential applications, while also offering a promising approach to control molecular recognition and attractive and/or repulsive intermolecular binding events. Hence, supramolecular polymerization of metal-containing monomers has emerged as a major research focus in the field. In this perspective article, we highlight recent significant advances in supramolecular polymerization of metal-containing monomers and discuss their implications for future research. Additionally, we also outline some major challenges that metallosupramolecular chemists (will) have to face to produce metallosupramolecular polymers (MSPs) with advanced applications and functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Bäumer
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Corrensstraße 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Jonas Matern
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Corrensstraße 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Gustavo Fernández
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Corrensstraße 36 48149 Münster Germany
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4
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Matern J, Bäumer N, Fernández G. Unraveling Halogen Effects in Supramolecular Polymerization. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:7164-7175. [PMID: 33913728 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c02384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Halogens play a crucial role in numerous natural processes and synthetic materials due to their unique physicochemical properties and the diverse interactions they can engage in. In the field of supramolecular polymerization, however, halogen effects remain poorly understood, and investigations have been restricted to halogen bonding or the inclusion of polyfluorinated side groups. Recent contributions from our group have revealed that chlorine ligands greatly influence molecular packing and pathway complexity phenomena of various metal complexes. These results prompted us to explore the role of the halogen nature on supramolecular polymerization, a phenomenon that has remained unexplored to date. To address this issue, we have designed a series of archetypal bispyridyldihalogen PtII complexes bearing chlorine (1), bromine (2), or iodine (3) and systematically compared their supramolecular polymerization in nonpolar media using various experimental methods and theory. Our studies reveal a remarkably different supramolecular polymerization for the three compounds, which can undergo two competing pathways with either slipped (kinetic) or parallel (thermodynamic) molecular packing. The halogen exerts an inverse effect on the energetic levels of the two self-assembled states, resulting in a single thermodynamic pathway for 3, a transient kinetic species for 2, and a hidden thermodynamic state for 1. This seesaw-like bias of the energy landscape can be traced back to the involvement of the halogens in weak N-H···X hydrogen-bonding interactions in the kinetic pathway, whereas in the thermodynamic pathway the halogens are not engaged in the stabilizing interaction motif but rather amplify solvophobic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Matern
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Nils Bäumer
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Gustavo Fernández
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Dünnebacke T, Kartha KK, Wiest JM, Albuquerque RQ, Fernández G. Solvent-controlled E/ Z isomerization vs. [2 + 2] photocycloaddition mediated by supramolecular polymerization. Chem Sci 2020; 11:10405-10413. [PMID: 34094301 PMCID: PMC8162386 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc03442h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Control over the photochemical outcome of photochromic molecules in solution represents a major challenge, as photoexcitation often leads to multiple competing photochemical and/or supramolecular pathways resulting in complex product mixtures. Herein, we demonstrate precise and efficient control over the photochemical behaviour of cyanostilbenes in solution using a straightforward solvent-controlled approach based on supramolecular polymerization. To this end, we designed a π-extended cyanostilbene bolaamphiphile that exhibits tuneable solvent-dependent photochemical behaviour. Photoirradiation of the system in a monomeric state (in organic solvents) exclusively leads to a highly reversible and efficient E/Z photoisomerization, whereas a nearly quantitative [2 + 2] photocycloaddition into a single cyclobutane (anti head-to-tail) occurs in aqueous solutions. These results can be rationalized by a highly regular and preorganized antiparallel J-type arrangement of the cyanostilbene units that is driven by aqueous supramolecular polymerization. The presented concept demonstrates a novel approach towards solvent-selective and environmentally friendly photochemical transformations, which is expected to broaden the scope of supramolecular polymerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Dünnebacke
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Westfälische-Wilhelms Universität Münster Corrensstraße, 40 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Kalathil K Kartha
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Westfälische-Wilhelms Universität Münster Corrensstraße, 40 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Johannes M Wiest
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Westfälische-Wilhelms Universität Münster Corrensstraße, 40 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Rodrigo Q Albuquerque
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Westfälische-Wilhelms Universität Münster Corrensstraße, 40 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Gustavo Fernández
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Westfälische-Wilhelms Universität Münster Corrensstraße, 40 48149 Münster Germany
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McCune JA, Mommer S, Parkins CC, Scherman OA. Design Principles for Aqueous Interactive Materials: Lessons from Small Molecules and Stimuli-Responsive Systems. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1906890. [PMID: 32227391 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201906890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Interactive materials are at the forefront of current materials research with few examples in the literature. Researchers are inspired by nature to develop materials that can modulate and adapt their behavior in accordance with their surroundings. Stimuli-responsive systems have been developed over the past decades which, although often described as "smart," lack the ability to act autonomously. Nevertheless, these systems attract attention on account of the resultant materials' ability to change their properties in a predicable manner. These materials find application in a plethora of areas including drug delivery, artificial muscles, etc. Stimuli-responsive materials are serving as the precursors for next-generation interactive materials. Interest in these systems has resulted in a library of well-developed chemical motifs; however, there is a fundamental gap between stimuli-responsive and interactive materials. In this perspective, current state-of-the-art stimuli-responsive materials are outlined with a specific emphasis on aqueous macroscopic interactive materials. Compartmentalization, critical for achieving interactivity, relies on hydrophobic, hydrophilic, supramolecular, and ionic interactions, which are commonly present in aqueous systems and enable complex self-assembly processes. Relevant examples of aqueous interactive materials that do exist are given, and design principles to realize the next generation of materials with embedded autonomous function are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade A McCune
- Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Stefan Mommer
- Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Christopher C Parkins
- Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Oren A Scherman
- Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
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Krieg E, Niazov-Elkan A, Cohen E, Tsarfati Y, Rybtchinski B. Noncovalent Aqua Materials Based on Perylene Diimides. Acc Chem Res 2019; 52:2634-2646. [PMID: 31478643 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.9b00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Most robust functional organic materials are currently based on polymers. These materials exhibit high stability, but once formed they are difficult to modify, adapt to their environment, and recycle. Materials based on small molecules that are held together by noncovalent interactions can offer an alternative to conventional polymer materials for applications that require adaptive and stimuli-responsive features. However, it is challenging to engineer macroscopic noncovalent materials that are sufficiently robust for practical applications. This Account summarizes progress made by our group towards the development of noncovalent "aqua materials" based on well-defined organic molecules. These materials are uniquely assembled in aqueous media, where they harness the strength of hydrophobic and π-π interactions between large aromatic groups to achieve robustness. Despite their high stability, these supramolecular systems can dynamically respond to external stimuli. We discuss design principles, fundamental properties, and applications of two classes of aqua materials: (1) supramolecular gels and (2) nanocrystalline arrays. The materials were characterized by a combination of steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic techniques, electrical measurements, molecular modeling, and high-resolution microscopic imaging, in particular cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM). All investigated aqua materials are based on one key building block, perylene diimide (PDI). PDI exhibits remarkably stable intermolecular bonds, together with useful chemical and optoelectronic properties. PDI-based amphiphiles carrying poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were designed to form linear supramolecular polymers in aqueous media. These one-dimensional arrays of noncovalently linked molecules can entangle and form three-dimensional supramolecular networks, leading to soft gel-like materials. Tuning the strength of interactions between fibers enables dynamic adjustment of viscoelastic properties and functional characteristics. Besides supramolecular gels, we show that simple PDI-based molecules can self-assemble in aqueous medium to form robust organic nanocrystals (ONCs). The mechanical and optoelectronic properties of ONCs are distinctly different from gel-phase materials. ONCs are excellent building blocks for macroscopic free-standing materials that can be used in dry state, unlike hydrogels. Being constructed from small molecules, ONC materials are easy to fabricate and recycle. High thermal robustness, good mechanical properties, and modular design render ONC materials versatile and suitable for a variety of applications. In the future, noncovalent aqua materials can become a sustainable alternative to conventional polymer materials. Examples from our research include stimuli-responsive and recyclable filtration membranes for preparative nanoparticle separation, water purification and catalysis, light-harvesting hydrogels for solar energy conversion, and nanocrystalline films for switchable surface coatings and electronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisha Krieg
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., 01069 Dresden, Germany
- Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Angelica Niazov-Elkan
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Erez Cohen
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Yael Tsarfati
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Boris Rybtchinski
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
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Zhang D, Ronson TK, Güryel S, Thoburn JD, Wales DJ, Nitschke JR. Temperature Controls Guest Uptake and Release from Zn 4L 4 Tetrahedra. J Am Chem Soc 2019; 141:14534-14538. [PMID: 31478658 PMCID: PMC6753657 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b07307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
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We report the preparation of triazatruxene-faced
tetrahedral cage 1, which exhibits two diastereomeric
configurations (T1 and T2) that differ in
the handedness of the
ligand faces relative to that of the octahedrally coordinated metal
centers. At lower temperatures, T1 is favored, whereas T2 predominates at higher temperatures. Host–guest
studies show that T1 binds small aliphatic guests, whereas T2 binds larger aromatic molecules, with these changes in
binding preference resulting from differences in cavity size and degree
of enclosure. Thus, by a change in temperature the cage system can
be triggered to eject one bound guest and take up another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , United Kingdom
| | - Tanya K Ronson
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , United Kingdom
| | - Songül Güryel
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , United Kingdom
| | - John D Thoburn
- Department of Chemistry , Randolph-Macon College , Ashland , Virginia 23005 , United States
| | - David J Wales
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan R Nitschke
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , United Kingdom
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Wang M, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Zhao X, Yang M, Men X. Durable superwetting materials through layer-by-layer assembly: Multiple separations towards water/oil mixtures, water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2019.03.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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