Title: Syntheses of Precision Supramolecular Polymers and Biohybrids

Research description

As an interdisciplinary research field of chemistry, biology and physic, supramolecular chemistry capitalizes on reversible and highly directional secondary interactions. Inspired by nature, which shows high complexity and functionality in natural supermolecules, a wide range of new polymers is accessible. The supramolecular interactions can be located either in the main chain (backbone) of a polymer or in the side chains, depending on the intended application. In figure 1 some examples of secondary interactions such as hydrogen bonds or π-π interactions, concepts of building up supramolecular architectures and principles of binding are listed.

 

Figure 1. Supramolecular polymers – important  principles/concepts and some examples of secondary interactions.

The switchable, dynamic equilibrium between supramolecular polymers and their monomers gives them unique biological, electronical or mechanical properties. Depending on the chosen complementary binding units, an appropriate stimulus can induce the supramolecular assembling process (figure 2).

 

Figure 2. Supramolecular polymerization of complementary binding groups of an B-monomer caused by a certain stimulus - further functionalization of side groups or side chains is possible.