Biosciences Research Seminar - Molecular Design to explore Binding Interactions: Coordination to Application

Supramolecular chemistry is defined “as some kind of non-covalent binding or complexation event”.  What is binding?  In the simplest sense it is a Host [H] docking with a Guest [G] to form a new species [HG].  The strength of that interaction is defined as its binding constant, usually reported as equilibrium constants (K_A). By understanding binding interactions, molecules can be designed to help strengthen or control complex formations. Our group looks at a variety of binding interactions as to probe the strength (K_A) and apply rationale design towards specific applications including sensing, biomaterials, waste metal recycling, and catalysis. Our research has explored calcium binding interactions and if those interactions can be adapted to sensor technologies either through additive manufacturing or polymerization strategies. Secondly, towards regenerative therapies from injury, our group is collaboratively building hydrogel networks with increased non-fouling (limiting interactions!) and specific peptide adhesion using zwitterionic peptide cross-linkers as our key building blocks. Lastly, our group uses supramolecular chemistry techniques to bind and dissolve solid metals for electronic waste recycling. The redox-active azothioformamide (ATF) ligands have the unique ability to dissolve late transition metals, and our group is synthesizing and investigating the coordinative processes of converting metals (pristine, mixed waste) to metal complexes for metal recovery, biological activity, and/or catalysis. The synthetic efforts in combination with the equilibrium found through computational modelling interplay to provide more reliable association mechanisms to help understand how best to employ these compounds.