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Synthesis and Characterization of Supramolecular Colloids
Published on: April 22, 2016
Patchy supramolecules as versatile tools to probe hydrophobicity in nanoglobular systems
Luis M Negrón1, Yazmary Meléndez-Contés, José M Rivera
1Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, Puerto Rico 00931.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|February 26, 2013
Summary
Precise supramolecules precisely measure hydrophobicity in patchy nanoglobular systems. These supramolecular G-quadruplexes (SGQs) reveal differences in transition temperatures, quantifying effective hydrophobicity.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Amphiphilic nanoglobular systems possess complex hydrophobic properties.
- Evaluating effective hydrophobicity in such systems is challenging.
- The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) phenomenon offers a potential quantitative measure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop precise supramolecular systems for evaluating effective hydrophobicity.
- To investigate the LCST phenomenon in nanoglobular systems.
- To understand the structural basis for hydrophobicity differences.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of isomeric 8-aryl-2 eal-deoxyguanosine derivatives.
- Self-assembly into hexadecameric nanoglobular supramolecular G-quadruplexes (SGQs).
- Determination of transition temperatures using turbidity and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
- Molecular modeling studies.
Main Results:
- Two isomeric SGQs exhibited significant differences in transition temperatures.
- LCST phenomenon was successfully employed to quantify effective hydrophobicity.
- Molecular modeling indicated differential clustering of surface hydrophobic patches.
Conclusions:
- Precise supramolecular G-quadruplexes can effectively quantify hydrophobicity.
- Isomeric structural differences significantly impact hydrophobicity and LCST.
- Surface hydrophobic patch clustering is a key factor in observed differences.
