Molecular recognition strategy

Figure 12.19 Potential problems with a molecular recognition strategy for supramolecular catalysis.31...

Another synthetic strategy is based on self-assembly driven by molecular recognition between complementary TT-donors and 7T-acceptors. Examples include the synthesis of catenanes and rotaxanes that can act as controUable molecular shuttles (6,236). The TT-donors in the shuttles are located in the dumb-beU shaped component of the rotaxane and the 7T-acceptors in the macrocycHc component, or vice versa. The shuttles may be switched by chemical, electrochemical, or photochemical means. 

The question P.G. Schultz, from Berkeley, and R.A.Lemer, from Scripps, set forth was "How to associate the prodigious capacity of molecular recognition of antibodies with potential enzymatic (catalytic) activity " [22a] [26]. In 1986, they succeeded developing the first antibodies with catalytic activity [27]. Lemer called them abzymes. In fact, their strategy is quite simple based on Pauling s hypothesis, Lerner s and Schultz s groups looked for antibodies that could stabilise the transition state of a given reaction, such as ester and carbonate hydrolysis. 

Sellergren B, Andersson L. Molecular recognition in macroporous pol3miers prepared by a substrate-analog imprinting strategy. J Org Chem 1990 55 3381-3383. 

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