Supramolecular Polymer/Surfactant Complexes as Catalysts for Phosphate Transfer Reactions

Iron-incorporated metal-organic frameworks for oxidative cleavage of trans-anethole to p-anisaldehyde

An iron-incorporated Zn-MOF catalyst Zn-bpydc·Fe was fabricated for the oxidative cleavage of trans-anethole to p-anisaldehyde under facile conditions, under 1 atm of O2. The Fe coordinated bipyridine serves as the catalytically active center inside the structural skeleton of Zn-MOFs. This work affords a new avenue for the mild oxidation of olefins.

Supramolecular bioamphiphile facilitated bioemulsification and concomitant treatment of recalcitrant hydrocarbons in petroleum refining industry oily waste

Bioremediation of real-time petroleum refining industry oily waste (PRIOW) is a major challenge due to the poor emulsification potential and oil sludge disintegration efficiency of conventional bioamphiphile molecules. The present study was focused on the design of a covalently engineered supramolecular bioamphiphile complex (SUBC) rich in hydrophobic amino acids for proficient emulsification of hydrocarbons followed by the concomitant degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in PRIOW using the hydrocarbonoclastic microbial bio-formulation system. The synthesis of SUBC was carried out by pH regulated microbial biosynthesis process and the yield was obtained to be 450.8 mg/g of petroleum oil sludge. The FT-IR and XPS analyses of SUBC revealed the anchoring of hydrophilic moieties of monomeric bioamphiphilic molecules, resulting in the formation of SUBC via covalent interaction. The SUBC was found to be lipoprotein in nature. The maximum loading capacity of SUBC onto surface modified rice hull (SMRH) was achieved to be 45.25 mg/g SMRH at the optimized conditions using RSM-CCD design. The SUBC anchored SMRH was confirmed using SEM, FT-IR, XRD and TGA analyses. The adsorption isotherm models of SUBC onto SMRH were performed. The integrated approach of SUBC-SMRH and hydrocarbonoclastic microbial bio-formulation system, emulsified oil from PRIOW by 92.86 ± 2.26% within 24 h and degraded TPH by 89.25 ± 1.75% within 4 days at the optimum dosage ratio of SUBC-SMRH (0.25 g): PRIOW (1 g): mass of microbial-assisted biocarrier material (0.05 g). The TPH degradation was confirmed by SARA fractional analysis, FT-IR, ¹H NMR and GC-MS analyses. The study suggested that the application of covalently engineered SUBC has resulted in the accelerated degradation of real-time PRIOW in a very short duration without any secondary sludge generation. Thus, the SUBC integrated approach can be considered to effectively manage the hydrocarbon contaminants from petroleum refining industries under optimal conditions.

Hydrolytic activity of new bioinspired MnIIIMnII and FeIIIMnII complexes as mimetics of PAPs: Biological and environmental interest

Coordination compounds that mimic Purple Acid Phosphatases (PAPs) have drawn attention in the bioinorganic field due to their capacity to cleave phosphodiester bonds. However, their catalytic activity upon phosphate triesters is still unexplored. Thus, we report the synthesis and characterization of two binuclear complexes, [Mn^IIMn^III(L₁)(OAc)₂]BF₄ (1) and [Mn^IIFe^III(L₁)(OAc)₂]BF₄ (2) (H₂L₁ = 2-[N,N-bis-(2- pyridilmethyl)aminomethyl]-4-methyl-6-[N-(2-hydroxy-3-formyl-5-methylbenzyl)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl]phenol), their hydrolytic activity and antioxidant potential. The complexes were fully characterized, including the X-Ray diffraction (XRD) of 1. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to better understand their electronic and structural properties and phosphate conjugates. The catalytic activity was analyzed for two model substrates, a diester (BDNPP) and a triester phosphate (DEDNPP). The results suggest enhancement of the hydrolysis reaction by 170 to 1500 times, depending on the substrate and complex. It was possible to accompany the catalytic reaction of DEDNPP hydrolysis by phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance (³¹P NMR), showing that both 1 and 2 are efficient catalysts. Moreover, we also addressed that 1 and 2 present a relevant antioxidant potential, protecting the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, used as eukaryotic model of study, against the exposure of cells to acute oxidative stress.

Supramolecular assemblies of histidine-containing peptides with switchable hydrolase and peroxidase activities through Cu(II) binding and co-assembling

Modulating enzyme activities or functionalities is one of the primary features of biological systems, which is, however, a great challenge for artificial enzyme systems. In this work, we designed and synthesized a series of self-assembling peptides from histidine and other amino acids (Asp, Ser, Lys or Arg), which exist in the active site of natural enzymes. These peptides could undergo a conformational transition from random coils to β-sheet structures under physiological conditions and formed self-assembled nanotubes with obvious hydrolase activities. After incorporation of transition metal ions such as Cu²⁺, these peptides could coordinate with Cu²⁺ ions, switch molecular conformations, and self-assemble into hybrid nanomaterials with altered morphologies and peroxidase-like activities. This work illustrates a facile approach for constructing artificial enzymes from self-assembling peptides with histidine residues whose catalytic functions could be modulated by incorporation of Cu²⁺ ions.

Structural properties of [Cu(II)3L6] cages: bridged polyatomic anion effects on unprecedented efficiency of heterogeneous catechol oxidation

Self-assembly of CuX₂ (X^- = BF₄^-, ClO₄^-, PF₆^-, and SbF₆^-) with a bidentate ethylmethylbis(3-pyridine)silane ligand (L) in the presence of additional polyatomic anions (X' = SiF₆^2- and PF₆^-) gives rise to single crystals consisting of the X'@[Cu(II)₃L₆] cage motif. These cages exist as discrete or anion-bridged 3D networks depending on outside anions. The anion-bridged 3D networks interpenetrate in a four-fold fashion, and show, to our best knowledge, the most effective heterogeneous catalysis in 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol oxidation reaction within 20 min at room temperature. Surprisingly, the heterogeneous catalysis is more effective than its corresponding homogeneous catalysis. Such notable catalytic effects can be explained by the maintenance of 3D inter-cage Cu⋯Cu distance as a catalytic center.

The role of hydrophobicity in supramolecular polymer/surfactant catalysts: An understandable model for enzymatic catalysis

Enzymes are highly significant catalysts, essential to biological systems, and a source of inspiration for the design of artificial enzymes. Although many models have been developed describing enzymatic catalysis, a deeper understanding of these biocatalysts remains a major challenge. Herein we detail the formation, characterization, performance, and catalytic mechanisms of a series of bio-inspired supramolecular polymer/surfactant complexes acting as artificial enzymes. The supramolecular complexes were characterized and exhibited exceptional catalytic efficiency for the dephosphorylation of an activated phosphate diester, the reaction rate being highly responsive to: (a) pH, (b) surfactant concentration, and (c) the length of the hydrophobic chain of the surfactant. Under optimal conditions (at pH > 8 for the more hydrophobic systems and at pre-micellar concentrations), enzyme-like rate enhancements of up to 6.0 × 10⁹-fold over the rate of the spontaneous hydrolysis reaction in water were verified. The catalytic performance is a consequence of synergy between the hydrophobicity of the aggregates and the catalytic functionalities of the polymer and the catalytic mechanism is modulated by the nature of the hydrophobic pockets of these catalysts, changing from a general base mechanism to a nucleophilic mechanism as the hydrophobicity increases. Taken as a whole, the present results provide fundamental insights, through an understandable model, which are highly relevant to the design of novel bioinspired enzyme surrogates with multifunctional potentialities for future practical applications.

Self-Assembled Quaternary Ammonium-Containing Comb-Like Polyelectrolytes for the Hydrolysis of Organophosphorous Esters: Effect of Head Groups and Counter-Ions

The aim of this work was to increase the efficiency of catalytic systems for the hydrolytic cleavage of 4-nitrophenyl esters of phosphonic acids. Quaternary ammonium-containing comb-like polyelectrolytes («polymerized micelles») with ester cleavable fragments and a low aggregation threshold were used as catalysts. The synthesis of poly(11-acryloyloxyundecylammonium) surfactants with different counterions (Br^- , NO₃ ^- , CH₃ C₆ H₄ SO₃ ^- ) and head groups was realized by micellar free-radical polymerization. Molecular weight, critical association concentration, particle sizes and solubilization properties toward Orange OT were determined. Self-assemblies organized by poly(11-acryloyloxyundecyltrimethyl ammonium) bromide successfully catalyze the hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl butylchloromethylphosphonate up to two orders of magnitude compared to aqueous alkaline hydrolysis. The development of these catalysts is promising for industrial applications and organophosphorus compound detoxification.

Structures and esterolytic reactivity of novel binuclear copper(ii) complexes with reduced l-serine Schiff bases as mimic carboxylesterases

Three novel binuclear copper(ii) complexes with reduced l-serine Schiff bases were synthesized and their structures were analyzed with single-crystal X-ray diffraction and DFT calculations. The crystal data revealed that all of these binuclear complexes are chiral. Both 5-halogenated (bromo- and chloro-) binuclear complexes exhibit right-handed helix structural character. Interestingly, the 5-methyl-containing analogue has a two-dimensional pore structure. In this paper, the esterolysis reactivity of the as-prepared complexes shows that in the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl acetate (PNPA) these three complexes provide 26, 18, 40-fold rate acceleration as compared to the spontaneous hydrolysis of PNPA at pH 7.0, respectively. Under selected conditions, in excess buffered aqueous solution a rate enhancement by three orders of magnitude was observed for the catalytic hydrolysis of another carboxylic ester, p-nitrophenyl picolinate (PNPP). These complexes efficiently promoted PNPP hydrolysis in a micellar solution of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), giving rise to a rate enhancement in excess of four orders of magnitude, which is approximately 2.0-3.2 times higher than that in the buffer.

Sustainable, Reshapable Surfactant-Polyelectrolyte Plastics Employing Water as a Plasticizer

Natural polymers such as those present in foods contain abundant noncovalent intra- and intermolecular interactions, notably hydrogen bonds, which make them rigid when dry, but on exposure to water soften, due to disruption of these interactions. This softening process allows them to be reshaped. Food-derived materials, however, have limited practical use due to their high brittleness and gradual degradation. Nevertheless, inspired by such properties, surfactant-polyelectrolyte-based polymers that contain abundant ionic interactions and can be repeatedly reshaped using water as plasticizer are described. The polymers, on the basis of main chain anionic poly(styrene sulfonates) combined with phosphonium surfactant, are readily synthesized with well-defined lamellar domains through interfacial metathesis reactions. The polymers present typical stress-strain characteristics of plastics, and their modulus undergoes a decrease of ca. 3 orders of magnitude upon shear and stretch forces after plasticizing with water. Since recycling of plastics generally involves complicated and energy-intensive processes (that leads to the majority of plastics being land-filled or incinerated), it is envisaged that reshapable polymers, such as those described here, could reduce the amount of plastic waste as they can be remolded as and when required, thus reducing pollution and the depletion of resources, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable society.

From the Shelf to the Particle: Preparation of Highly Organic-Functionalized Magnetic Composites via 4-Nitrophenyl Reactive Ester

Preparation of chemically tunable magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is of great interest in many technological fields. Although numerous methods have been developed to prepare MNPs coated with functional organic moieties, most of them are complex, multistep, and involve the preparation of a specific ligand to be inserted on the particle surface. Herein, we describe the preparation of MNPs covered with reactive polymer poly(4-nitrophenyl methacrylate). The composite was prepared by the dispersion polymerization of 4-nitrophenyl methacrylate in the presence of magnetite nanoparticles stabilized by oleic acid. The novel material can be easily modified with amines to give chemically stable amide bonds without installation of pH-dependent features in the link. The extent of particle modification is readily monitored by the release of 4-nitrophenol from the polymer using UV-vis spectrophotometry. Good agreement between the degree of functionalization assessed by colorimetry and elemental analysis was obtained, and functionalization up to 3 mmol g^-1 is easily attained. To illustrate the applicability of the method for catalyst development, we prepared imidazole-covered MNPs that accelerate the hydrolysis of a model organophosphate, with rate constants approximately 10⁵-fold higher than the spontaneous hydrolysis. The catalyst can be recovered by a magnet and recycled without appreciable loss of catalytic activity.

Polymer ionic liquid network: a highly effective reusable catalyst for one-pot synthesis of heterocyclic compounds

Significant efforts have been devoted to developing immobilized chiral catalysts with high activity, selectivity, and stability. In this present study, a new heterogeneous proline catalyst system was prepared based on strong noncovalent interactions between polymer ionic liquid (PIL) and l-proline. First, pyridine PILs, which can complex with l-proline monomers through noncovalent interactions, were synthesized using reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The polymer network-supported chiral catalysts were obtained following further free radical polymerization. Different structures were formed in response to different ratios of PIL and chiral monomer, as well as different PIL anions, in the reactions. The new formed layer structures and synergic effects of PIL resulted in heterogeneous catalysts with high catalytic activity and enantioselectivity, thus endowing them with better catalytic performance for the one-pot synthesis of heterocyclic compounds compared to homogeneous catalytic systems. These catalytic systems were able to be reused and recycled five times with no discernible loss in catalytic activity and enantioselectivity. l-Proline was efficiently loaded onto the polymer network simply based on supramolecular interactions, providing a novel method of synthesizing high performance supported catalysts for organic reactions.

Significant efforts have been devoted to developing immobilized chiral catalysts with high activity, selectivity, and stability.

Surfactant-Induced Patterns in Polymer Brushes

The properties of surfaces with grafted macromolecules are determined by a fine structure of the macromolecular layer, whereas the mixtures of macromolecules with surfactants are very rich in structure types. Using the scaling mean-field theory, we consider the self-assembly in polymer brushes into various patterns induced by interactions with low-molecular surfactants. The interaction energies of the parts of a surfactant molecule with the polymer units are assumed to be greatly different. With increasing the grafting density, the formation of lamellae perpendicular to the grafting plane, a continuous layer with oblong or round pores, or a homogeneous brush is predicted. The driving force of the pattern formation is a gain in the interaction energy of surfactant molecules oriented at the lateral surfaces of lamellae or pores. The process of pore formation in a homogeneous brush caused by a temperature change at definite grafting densities is described as the first-order phase transition. It is accompanied by a stepwise extension of the brush and by orientational ordering of surfactant molecules. The transitions between the other patterns are of the second order. The thickness of lamellae and the distance between pores are approximately twice the surfactant molecule size except for the extremely high grafting densities. The diagrams of brush patterns are presented and discussed.