Controlling binding affinities for anions by a photoswitchable foldamer

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Photochemistry
• Molecular Recognition

Background:

• Foldamers are synthetic molecules that mimic natural biopolymers.
• Photoswitchable molecules can change their properties upon light exposure.
• Anion recognition is crucial in various chemical and biological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a photoswitchable foldamer for controllable anion binding.
• To investigate the influence of light on foldamer conformation and anion affinity.
• To explore the effect of anion size and shape on binding interactions.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a novel foldamer incorporating an azobenzene and phenyl-1,2,3-triazole unit.
• Photochemical isomerization studies under UV-Vis irradiation and in the dark.
• Anion binding assays to quantify affinity changes.

Main Results:

• The foldamer exhibited reversible photochemical/dark isomerization.
• Conformational changes were observed in response to light.
• Binding affinities for various anions were modulated by the foldamer's conformation.
• Anion binding selectivity was influenced by anion size and geometry.

Conclusions:

• The developed photoswitchable foldamer offers a light-controlled platform for anion recognition.
• The study demonstrates a tunable approach to modulate supramolecular interactions.
• This work has implications for designing smart materials and sensors for anions.