Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Synthesis of Information-bearing Peptoids and their Sequence-directed Dynamic Covalent Self-assembly
Published on: February 6, 2020
"Dynamic" molecular recognition and chirality segregation utilizing concepts of molecular machines and molecular
1Institute of Advanced Study, Kyushu University.
Abstract:
The need to measure the concentration of selected ions and small organic molecules in both in vivo and in vitro processes is continuously increasing beyond the borders of various research fields. This need has been fulfilled using "host-guest chemistry", or in general, by the use of "molecular recognition". The basic idea in these research fields was derived from the 1 : 1 host-guest interaction based on the "key-and-lock" concept. However, we have experienced that only with this classical concept, more precise, higher-order recognition faces serious difficulty. In this review article, I wish to explain that the introduction of two new concepts, i.e., the dynamic action of molecular systems and the amplification effect of molecular assemblies, overcame the limitation of the "key-and-lock" concept. In fact, we have found that even "complete" chirality segregation can be achieved under optimal conditions.
Related Concept Videos
Chirality in Nature
Molecules with Multiple Chiral Centers
Prochirality
Racemic Mixtures and the Resolution of Enantiomers
Chirality
Chiral objects exhibit a sense of handedness when they interact with another chiral object. For example, our left foot can only fit in the left shoe and not in the right shoe. Achiral objects — objects that have...
Chirality at Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur
A consequence of chirality is the need for enantiomeric resolution. While this is theoretically possible for all...

