Homochiral metal–organic framework (MOF) membranes have been recently reported for chiral separations. However, only a few high‐quality homochiral polycrystalline MOF membranes have been fabricated due to the difficulty in crystallization of a chiral MOF layer without defects on porous substrates. Alternatively, mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), which combine potential advantages of MOFs and polymers, have been widely demonstrated for gas separation and water purification. Here we report novel homochiral MOF–polymer MMMs for efficient chiral separation. Homochirality was successfully incorporated into achiral MIL‐53‐NH2 nanocrystals by post‐synthetic modification with amino acids, such as l‐histidine (l‐His) and l‐glutamic acid (l‐Glu). The MIL‐53‐NH‐l‐His and MIL‐53‐NH‐l‐Glu nanocrystals were then embedded into polyethersulfone (PES) matrix to form homochiral MMMs, which exhibited excellent enantioselectivity for racemic 1‐phenylethanol with the highest enantiomeric excess value up to 100 %. This work, as an example, demonstrates the feasibility of fabricating diverse large‐scale homochiral MOF‐based MMMs for chiral separation.

This article provides an overview of the organometallic chemistry from 1994 to 2004. Major advances in the formation and breaking of GeC bonds are discussed, as are advances in the physical characterization of these compounds. Recent advances in the formation of organogermanium species containing multiple bonds to germanium and the formation of germanium‐centered radicals and cations are delineated. Applications to the synthesis of germanium‐containing polymers are overviewed.

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2010 in Portland, Oregon, USA, August 1 – August 5, 2010.

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Nano-sized fullerene aggregates can enter cells and alter their functions, but the mechanisms of cell damage is unclear. In our previous work [1] we used coarsegrained molecular dynamics simulations to characterize the thermodynamics and kinetics of permeation of fullerene clusters through a model membrane. We also showed that high fullerene concentrations induce changes in the structural and elastic properties of the lipid bilayer, but these are not sufficient to cause a direct mechanical damage to the membrane. Now we explore the effect of fullerene on model membranes including an ion channel protein, Kv1.2, using computer simulations with both a coarse-grained and an atomistic representation. We also investigate the effects of a naturally abundant organic compound, gallic acid, on fullerene-membrane interactions. Recent work [2] has shown that gallic acid-coated fullerenes cause cell contraction. We use computer simulations to describe possible mechanisms of cell damage.[1] Wong-ekkabut et al., Nature Nanotech (2008), 3, 363. [2] Salonen et al., Small, in press.