Multivalent molecular recognition

Ling XY, Phang IY, Reinhoudt DN et al (2008) Supramolecular layer-by-layer assembly of 3D multicomponent nanostructures via multivalent molecular recognition. Int J Mol Sci 9 486-497... 

In addition to the already broadly studied applications, there are a number of those that have barely been proposed, sometimes supported by a limited feasibility study, for example, the use of supported dendrons as synthetic intermediates for the preparation of drug or gene dehvery vehicles, for the construction of nanoparticles, and for the assembly of probes for the study of biochemical processes. The use of dendronized supports as tools for multivalent molecular recognition has also hardly been explored. New applications may emerge, though naturally they are more difhcult to foresee. For instance, support-bound probes for investigation of enzymatic activity, which will exploit the multivalency and the proximity of the dendritic arms, may follow the examples of the detachable dendritic probes. ... 

Catalysts may be able to select substrates depending on physical criteria via dynamic molecular recognition through multivalent interactions [1, 2]. These molecules, which mimic enzyme functions, yet have entirely different functions, are called synzymes . In this chapter, we will review accounts of man-made catalysts that have no metal elements [3]. 

Fig. 4 Mobile cyclic compounds enhance molecular recognition. Cyclic compounds can rotate and/or slide along a polymeric chain in the structure of polyrotaxanes, and the mobility of ligands linked by the cyclic compounds play a key role in enhancing multivalent interaction with biomacromolecules. This concept can be used in sugar recognition and plasmid DNA polyplex formation [7]...

Nature uses multivalency as one of the most important governing principles to control selective molecular recognition and assembly. By combining a large number of weak interactions, it is possible to obtain h h affinity, selective and reversible noncovalent binding processes. Multivalency has also become an important tool in the des u of synthetic molecular systems. The result of multiple binding events is not just a simple sum... 

Reynolds M, Marradi M, Imberty A et al (2012) Multivalent gold glycoclusters high affinity molecular recognition by bacterial lectin PA-fL. Chem Eur J 18 4264-4273... 

Specific molecular interactions at membrane surfaces are influenced by the local environment at the membrane surface, which is a hydrophobic-hydrophilic interface. The confinement and organization of molecules in a membrane results in high local concentrations (up to IM), which are very unusual in homogeneous solutions. A closely related issue is the topic of multivalency (see Multivalency, Concepts). Molecular recognition at biological membranes, such as proteins binding to carbohydrate... 

Calixarenes can play a relevant role in molecular recognition not only as receptors but also as ligands. In this latter case, they mainly work as scaffolds, which suitably organize several identical substituents in space linked to the lower or the upper rim and simultaneously orient these moieties toward the surface areas of large macromolecules or toward the recognition points of multiple binding site receptors. In other words, they act as core for the construction of multivalent ligands (see Multivalency, Concepts). 

It is hard to find a topic in supramolecular chemistry that has not been touched, even briefly, by calixarenes or related macrocycles. This justifies the fact that we were compelled to give only a short summary of the properties of classical calixarenes as molecular receptors for ions and neutral molecules or as scaffolds for the construction of multivalent ligands able to interact with biomacromolecules. We believe, indeed, that these two aspects are the most peculiar and remarkable features of calixarenes, on which a variety of other complex supramolecular functions can be built. The future will certainly be bright for this class of synthetic macrocycles as their molecular recognition and scaffolding properties are likely to be exploited in the classical ways and also in novel forms within the framework of the third developing phase of supramolecular chemistry, namely, constitutional dynamic chemistry and adaptive chemistry. ... 

Carbohydrates, similarly to peptides, are natural sources of chirality and also offer a wide range of ncm-covalent interactions. Molecular recognition of carbohydrates by biological receptors mediates a variety of physiologically relevant processes, including recruitment of leucocytes to inflammatory sites, clearance of glycoproteins from the circulatory system, cell interactions in the immune system, as well as adhesion of bacteria or viruses to host cells. It has been shown that multivalency is especially important for carbohydrate-receptor interactions. The glycoside cluster... 

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