Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
15:06
Synthesis of an Intein-mediated Artificial Protein Hydrogel
Published on: January 27, 2014
12.2K
Transient cucurbit[7]uril-mediated host-guest complexes for time-dependent fluorescence and information-self-erasing
Qian Wang1, Zhen Qi1, Hanren Xu1
1Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|August 30, 2024
Summary
Researchers created a dynamic supramolecular system using cucurbituril. This system exhibits time-dependent fluorescence and assembly, enabling applications like fluorescent hydrogels for information encryption.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Non-equilibrium systems offer unique dynamic properties.
- Cucurbituril-based host-guest chemistry enables molecular recognition and assembly.
- Controlling pH over time is crucial for dynamic processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate a non-equilibrium supramolecular host-guest system.
- To achieve time-dependent assembly and fluorescence.
- To develop a fluorescent hydrogel for information encryption.
Main Methods:
- Utilized urea/urease for pH control in aqueous solutions.
- Employed cucurbit[7]uril as the host molecule.
- Investigated dynamic assembly in hydrogel networks.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated transient assembly behavior.
- Observed time-dependent fluorescence.
- Successfully created a time-dependent fluorescent hydrogel.
Conclusions:
- A novel non-equilibrium cucurbituril-mediated supramolecular system was successfully fabricated.
- The system exhibits dynamic assembly and time-dependent fluorescence.
- The developed hydrogel holds potential for information encryption applications.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
00:57Viral Recombination
Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
01:38Intralumenal Vesicles and Multivesicular Bodies
Intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) are small vesicles 50-80 nm in diameter formed during the maturation of early endosomes. A specialized endosome containing numerous ILVs is called a multivesicular body (MVB). ILVs contain internalized molecules such as antigens, nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites. Some of these molecules are released from the MVBs inside exosomes and are transported to other cells. Other MVBs contain molecules that are retained in the ILVs and are later degraded within the...
01:15Diversity of Protists I
Excavata is a diverse group of protists that includes both chemoorganotrophic and phototrophic species, with some thriving in anaerobic environments. Among the key groups within Excavata are diplomonads and parabasalids, which are flagellated protists that lack mitochondria and chloroplasts. These microorganisms typically inhabit anoxic environments, such as the intestines of animals, where they exist either symbiotically or as parasites, relying on fermentation for energy production. Some...
01:16Viral Replication: Lysogenic Cycle
The lysogenic cycle is a crucial viral replication strategy that allows bacteriophages to persist within host cells without immediately destroying them. This process is primarily observed in temperate phages, such as bacteriophage lambda (λ), which infects Escherichia coli. The cycle allows the viral genome to persist across bacterial generations while keeping host cells viable.Integration of the Viral GenomeUpon infection, bacteriophage lambda attaches to the bacterial surface and injects its...
01:22Microbial Interactions: Parasitism
Parasitism is a form of microbial interaction in which parasitic microbes exploit a host organism for nutrients and shelter, often at the host's expense. Unlike mutualistic relationships, where both organisms benefit, parasitism benefits only the parasite and harms the host.Classification of ParasitesMicrobial parasites are broadly classified based on their location relative to the host.Ectoparasites remain on the host’s surface, such as the skin or outer tissues, drawing nutrients...