Temporally Controlled Interconversion Between Suprasome and Supracube Structures to Regulate Catalytic Activities.

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular chemistry
• Chemical biology
• Biomimetic systems

Background:

• Compartmentalized structures are crucial for prebiotic chemical transformations.
• Replicating the dynamic and temporally precise catalytic activity of these structures in artificial systems is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop supramolecular compartmentalized structures with controlled growth, differentiation, and transient catalytic activity.
• To create self-regulating systems that mimic life-like behaviors for artificial cell development.

Main Methods:

• Utilized host-guest interactions between amphiphiles and beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD) for controlled growth.
• Induced structural transitions to catalytic compartments using Zn2+.
• Incorporated ester derivatives of EDTA (EDTAE) as negative feedback regulators to control compartmentalization and catalysis.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated controlled expansion of nanoassemblies into suprasomal structures.
• Achieved Zn2+-triggered formation of cube-like compartments with esterase-like activity, releasing clioquinol (CQ) from clioquinol ester (CQE).
• Showcased temporal control and transient catalytic properties via EDTAE-mediated reversal of compartmentalization and deactivation of catalysis.

Conclusions:

• The developed supramolecular compartmentalized structures exhibit controlled dynamics and transient catalytic activity.
• This design strategy lays the foundation for self-regulating, life-like artificial cells.
• Advances the field of biomimetic artificial cells through temporally controlled, dynamic structures.