Functionalization and Metal Ion Encapsulation Within a Triaxial Supramolecular Weave

Molecular weaving has attracted much interest in recent years. Supramolecular organic weaves offer many benefits, such as error correction, but their functionalization is challenging, as even minor modifications to the building blocks can disrupt self-assembly. In this study, we demonstrate that a triaxially woven supramolecular organic framework formed by the self-assembly of an oligoproline-perylene monoimide conjugate tolerates pre-assembly functionalization and enables homogeneous incorporation of acetyl, pivaloyl, and thiophene moieties without altering the woven structure. Thiophene functionalization enabled the binding of toxic and noble-metal ions from aqueous solution within the weave's confined pores. These results establish first examples of functionalized supramolecular organic weaves and highlight the value of modular peptide-based woven frameworks for targeted guest encapsulation.