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Updated: May 20, 2026
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Published on: February 28, 2015
Kinetic Superselectivity in Multivalent Binding
Vid Ravnik1, Baptiste Chabaud2, Urban Bren1,3,4
1Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova ulica 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
|May 19, 2026
Summary
Multivalent binding kinetics, unlike equilibrium, can be highly selective. This study reveals a new superselective targeting approach based on association rates, not just binding equilibrium.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular chemistry
- Chemical kinetics
- Biophysics
Background:
- Multivalent binding enhances avidity and selectivity over monovalent binding.
- While equilibrium properties are understood, the nonequilibrium kinetics of multivalent interactions are not well characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the kinetics of multivalent binding.
- To explore the potential for enhanced selectivity in nonequilibrium binding scenarios.
- To develop design principles for superselective targeting.
Main Methods:
- Experimental studies using hyaluronic acid polymers.
- Kinetic modeling based on stochastic chemical kinetics.
- Molecular dynamics simulations.
Main Results:
- Both association and dissociation kinetics demonstrate greater selectivity than equilibrium binding.
- A two-step binding model explains this phenomenon, involving fast, weak interactions followed by slow, strong ones.
- Demonstrated a novel approach for superselective targeting utilizing association rates.
Conclusions:
- Multivalent binding kinetics offer opportunities for enhanced selectivity beyond equilibrium considerations.
- The findings provide a fundamental understanding of multivalent binding dynamics.
- Established design rules for superselective targeting in dynamic systems.
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