Stimuli-Responsive Supramolecular Assemblies

在该项目中，西北大学的Chad A. Mirkin将采用弱链接方法（WLA）合理设计和合成化学复杂、高功能的超分子结构，这些超分子结构在分子识别、催化和放大检测方面具有重要能力。由这些基序产生的协同化学性质导致变构能力，其中它们的活性可以通过远程金属位点的小分子或离子结合事件来调节。这些特点使WLA成为一个理想的平台，用于合成能够模仿甚至有时超过生物系统的结构和功能复杂性的非生物结构。具体来说，拟议的项目将探索：1)Pt(II) WLA化学的发展，2)扩展可纳入WLA配合物的功能范围，以及3)开发更多样化的方法来诱导WLA配合物构象变化。进一步了解WLA不仅将导致发现新的反应，而且还将发现具有独特性质的结构，这些结构无法通过任何其他方法合成。本研究项目将对研究生和博士后的培养和教育产生影响。这些年轻的科学家将在超分子无机配位化学、均相催化、光谱学和分析化学方面获得重要的实验室技能。这些进展将通过在高影响力期刊上发表、在国内和国际科学会议上发表报告等方式传播给科学界，并通过大众媒体和参与诸如美国国家科学基金会纳米非正式科学教育网络（NISEnet）和纳米日等外展活动传播给公众。本科生和高中教师将通过西北大学的夏季REU和RET项目参与该项目的研究活动。

In this project, funded by the Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Chad A. Mirkin of Northwestern University will employ the Weak-Link Approach (WLA) to rationally design and synthesize chemically sophisticated, highly functional supramolecular architectures with important capabilities in the context of molecular recognition, catalysis, and amplified detection. The cooperative chemical properties that arise from such motifs lead to allosteric capabilities, where their activity can be regulated through small-molecule or ion-binding events at remote metal sites. These features make the WLA an ideal platform for synthesizing abiotic structures capable of mimicking and sometimes exceeding the structural and functional sophistication of biological systems. Specifically, the proposed project will explore: 1) the development of Pt(II) WLA chemistry, 2) the expansion of the scope of functionalities that can be incorporated into WLA complexes, and 3) the development of more diverse methods for inducing WLA complex conformation change. Furthering the understanding of the WLA not only will lead to the discovery of novel reactions, but also structures with unique properties that cannot be synthesized via any other methodology.This research program will impact the training and education of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. These young scientists will gain important laboratory skills in supramolecular inorganic coordination chemistry, homogeneous catalysis, spectroscopy, and analytical chemistry. Advances will be disseminated to the scientific community through publication in high-impact journals and presentations at national and international scientific conferences, and to the general public via the popular press and through participation in outreach events like the NSF Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISEnet) and NanoDays. Undergraduate students and high-school teachers will participate in the research activities of this program through summer REU and RET programs run through Northwestern University.