Supramolecular structure, molecular recognition

Ikkala, O.T., L.O. Pietilac, P. Passiniemi, T. Vikki, H. Osterholm, L. Ahjopalo, and J.E. Osterholm. 1997. Processible polyaniline complexes due to molecular recognition Supramolecular structures based on hydrogen bonding and phenyl stacking. Synth Met 84 55. 

Construction of supramolecular structures using specific intermolecular interactions is one of the most important procedures for the construction of nano-scale architectures by bottom-up procedures. Recently, with the advent of host-guest chemistry and chemistry of molecular recognition, supramolecular science has made its appearance. 

Finally, to produce the structural and functional devices of the cell, polypeptides are synthesized by ribosomal translation of the mRNA. The supramolecular complex of the E. coli ribosome consists of 52 protein and three RNA molecules. The power of programmed molecular recognition is impressively demonstrated by the fact that aU of the individual 55 ribosomal building blocks spontaneously assemble to form the functional supramolecular complex by means of noncovalent interactions. The ribosome contains two subunits, the 308 subunit, with a molecular weight of about 930 kDa, and the 1590-kDa 50S subunit, forming particles of about 25-nm diameter. The resolution of the well-defined three-dimensional structure of the ribosome and the exact topographical constitution of its components are still under active investigation. Nevertheless, the localization of the multiple enzymatic domains, e.g., the peptidyl transferase, are well known, and thus the fundamental functions of the entire supramolecular machine is understood [24]. 

Reports of molecular recognition and self-assembly aspects of supramolecular chemistry associated with dendrimers and related structures will be the chief focus of this review. 

Model of a supramolecular structure of polymolecular ensembles or clusters, determined by interaction and mutual arrangement of the forming molecules. At this level, the specific mechanisms of supramolecular chemistry, including molecular recognition, self-assembly, etc. [4] can be allocated. In most cases, it is possible to limit this area to objects with the sizes under 1 to 2 nm, since further increase in the sizes admits application of statistical concepts like phase and interphase surface. 

Noncovalent interactions play a special role in synthetic procedures used to assemble various types of supramolecular species. These syntheses rely on the stabilization provided by non-covalent interactions between recognition sites incorporated within precursors. Various types of non-covalent interactions can be used as a recognition motif utilized to guide the synthesis.Targeted synthesis of macro- and supramolecular structures of various sizes, shapes, and functionality has now become possible. Supramolecular chemistry offers incredible applications in various fields such as medicinal chemistry (drug delivery systems),host-guest chemistry,catalysis,and molecular electronics. ... 

Berti, D., Luisi, P. L., and Baglioni, P. (2000). Molecular recognition in supramolecular structures formed by phosphatidylnucleosides-based amphiphiles. Colloids Surf. A, 167, 95-103. 

These observations suggest that the trans-azo ammonium can stabilize the supramolecular channel structure, which is formed by assembling relatively hydrophilic oligoether units based on the molecular recognition in the membrane phase. Compared to the extended molecular form of the trans-azo compound, which is appropriate for covering the hydrophilic component from the outside, the cis compound with a bulky structure cannot stabilize the structure and hence prohibits the assembly formation because it requites a large void structure in the membrane. Therefore, only leaky currents are observable (Figure 26). 

A biomembrane is an excellent example of supramolecular assemblies, in which various functional molecules are structurally organized for molecular recognition. In order to develop artificial supramolecular systems capable of mimicking biomembrane functions, it seems important to investigate molecular recognition by macrocyclic hosts embedded in synthetic bilayer membranes. 

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