Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Directed Assembly of Elastin-like Proteins into defined Supramolecular Structures and Cargo Encapsulation In Vitro
Published on: April 8, 2020
Excited-State Dynamics of Dithienylethenes Functionalized for Self-Supramolecular Assembly
I Hamdi1,2, G Buntinx1, O Poizat1
1Université Lille, CNRS, UMR 8516 - LASIR - Laboratoire de Spectrochimie Infrarouge et Raman , F-59000 Lille , France.
Abstract:
The photoswitching and competitive processes of two photochromic dithienylethenes (DTEs) functionalized at both sides with 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidone (UPy) quadruple hydrogen-bonding recognition patterns have been investigated with NMR experiments, ultrafast spectroscopy, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The originality of these molecules is their ability to form large supramolecular assemblies induced by light for the closed form (CF) species while the open form (OF) species exist as small oligomers. Photochromic parameters have been determined and photochemical pathways have been rationalized with clear distinction between the antiparallel (OF-AP) and parallel (OF-P) species. A new photocyclization pathway via triplet manifold has been evidenced. The effect of the supramolecular assembly on the photochemical response is discussed. Unlike the photoreversion process, which is unaffected by supramolecular assembly, rate constants of the photocyclization reaction and intersystem crossing process are sensitive to the presence of small OF oligomers.
Related Concept Videos
Protein Complex Assembly
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
Protein Complex Assembly
Dynamic Equilibrium
Excitation-Contraction Coupling in Skeletal Muscles
When an action...
Spindle Assembly
In most cells, centrosomes are the primary microtubule nucleation centers. In the centrosome-mediated pathway, the G2-prophase transition triggers centrosome maturation and increased microtubule nucleation. Progressive nucleation results in a...
Oligosaccharide Assembly
Multiple sugar molecules that may or may...

