ORGN 3 |
| A unique feature of biomolecules lies in their conformational control. The binding and catalytic functions of many protein receptors and enzymes are regulated through their reversible conformational changes. As chemists, however, we have difficulty controlling even the conformation of small to medium-sized molecules. Recently, we have synthesized a series of amphiphilic "molecular baskets" that can respond to different environments by changing their conformations. They adopt micelle-like conformations in polar environments and reversed-micelle-like conformations in nonpolar ones. We have also prepared synthetic molecules that can fold into compact conformations with nanometer-sized internal hydrophilic cavities. Cavities of this size are typically observed only in the tertiary and quaternary structures of proteins but are formed in our “foldamers” prepared in just a few steps. These molecules have been used as responsive supramolecular hosts, tunable catalysts, and molecular sensors. |
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Young Academic Investigators
8:00 AM-12:00 PM, Sunday, August 19, 2007 BCEC -- Ballroom, Oral
Division of Organic Chemistry |