Complexes of Keggin POMs [PM 12 O 40 ] 3 – (M = Mo, W) with GlyGly Peptide and Arginine – Crystal Structures and Solution Reactivity

Functional Nanostructures from Sol-Gel Synthesis Using Keggin Polyoxometallate Phosphotungstic Acid as a Precursor

Subjecting phosphotungstic acid solutions to low pH in combination with introduction of polyvalent cations led to the formation of nanostructured microspheres of approximately 2 μm in size, as shown by scanning electron microscopy, which were almost insoluble and resistant to degradation at neutral and high pH. These microspheres were composed of secondary nanospheres with diameters around 20 nm as revealed by transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Investigations of the crystal structure of a potential intermediate of this process, namely, acidic lanthanum phosphotungstate, [La(H2O)9](H3O)3[PW12O40]2(H2O)19, showed a tight network of hydrogen bonding, permitting closer packing of phosphotungstic acid anions, thereby confirming the mechanism of the observed self-assembly process. The new material demonstrated promising electrochemical properties in oxygen evolution reactions with the high stability of the obtained electrode material.

Polyoxometalate-peptide hybrid materials: from structure-property relationships to applications

Organo-functionalisation of polyoxometalates (POMs) represents an effective approach to obtain diverse arrays of functional structures and materials, where the introduction of organic moieties into the POM molecules can dramatically change their surface chemistry, charge, polarity, and redox properties. The synergistic combination of POMs and peptides, which perform a myriad of essential roles within cellular biochemistry, including protection and transport in living organisms, leads to functional hybrid materials with unique properties. In this Perspective article, we present the principal synthetic routes to prepare and characterise POM-peptide hybrids, together with a comprehensive description of how their properties - such as redox chemistry, stereochemistry and supramolecular self-assembly - give rise to materials with relevant catalytic, adhesive, and biomedical applications. By presenting the state-of-the-art of the POM-peptide field, we show specifically how emerging chemical approaches can be harnessed to develop tailored POM-peptide materials with synergistic properties for applications in a variety of disciplines.

Factors influencing stoichiometry and stability of polyoxometalate - peptide complexes

In the pursuit of understanding the factors guiding interactions between polyoxometalates (POMs) and biomolecules, several complexes between Keggin phosphomolybdate and diglycine have been produced at different acidity and salinity conditions, leading to difference in stoichiometry and in crystal structure. Principal factors determining how the POM and dipeptide interact appear to be pH, ionic strength of the medium, and the molar ratio of POM to peptide. An important effect turned out to be even the structure-directing role of the sodium cations coordinating carbonyl functions of the peptide bond. Given the interest in applying POMs in biological systems, these factors are highly relevant to consider. In the view of recent interest in using POMs as nano catalysts in peptide hydrolysis also the potential Keggin POM transformation in phosphate buffered saline medium was investigated leading to insight that nanoparticles of zirconium phosphate (ZrP) can be actual catalysts for breakdown of the peptide bond.

Hybrid Spider Silk with Inorganic Nanomaterials

High-performance functional biomaterials are becoming increasingly requested. Numerous natural and artificial polymers have already demonstrated their ability to serve as a basis for bio-composites. Spider silk offers a unique combination of desirable aspects such as biocompatibility, extraordinary mechanical properties, and tunable biodegradability, which are superior to those of most natural and engineered materials. Modifying spider silk with various inorganic nanomaterials with specific properties has led to the development of the hybrid materials with improved functionality. The purpose of using these inorganic nanomaterials is primarily due to their chemical nature, enhanced by large surface areas and quantum size phenomena. Functional properties of nanoparticles can be implemented to macro-scale components to produce silk-based hybrid materials, while spider silk fibers can serve as a matrix to combine the benefits of the functional components. Therefore, it is not surprising that hybrid materials based on spider silk and inorganic nanomaterials are considered extremely promising for potentially attractive applications in various fields, from optics and photonics to tissue regeneration. This review summarizes and discusses evidence of the use of various kinds of inorganic compounds in spider silk modification intended for a multitude of applications. It also provides an insight into approaches for obtaining hybrid silk-based materials via 3D printing.