Supramolecular Synthesis of Self-Assembled Functional Nanomaterials and Complex Chemical Systems
Principal investigator
The aim of this project proposal is supramolecular synthesis of self-assembled functional materials and study thus created complex chemical systems. Such systems exhibit a complex array of morphologies and dynamics and have a huge potential for new applications in areas ranging from materials science to medicine. The bottom–up synthesis of highly complex functional materials from simple modular blocks is an intriguing area of research. These hierarchically assembled systems extend beyond the individual molecule and rely on non-covalent interactions in a directed self-assembly process. Intrinsic properties of the materials can be modified by exploiting dynamic and specific uni-directional interactions among building blocks, thus allowing construction of novel supramolecular structures. These supramolecular networks belong to a novel category of soft biomaterials exhibiting attractive properties. Research in this project will include the formation of dynamic polymeric networks through molecular recognition and complex assembly formation. Self-assembly of small organic molecules is a suitable method for synthesis of organic nano-structured materials. LWM organo- and hydro-gels with oxalamide units represent construction units with high H-bonding potential; they are self-complementary, capable of unidirectional H-bonding suited for construction of self-assembled with fibrous morphology. In continuation of our previous research the attention will be focused on two main areas of research 1. nanofabrication; preparation of new materials by polymerization through cross linking the gel network or transcript to the TEOS and development of new organic materials that incorporate photoactive functional groups, and 2. bioinspired supramolecular systems for detection and degradation of fibrous supramolecular aggregates, such as Aß-protein and amyloid plaques (that are a major cause of Alzheimer’s disease) and vesicles functionalization for surface molecular recognition studies.