Molecular Architectonics‐guided Design of Biomaterials

Abstract

The quest for mastering the controlled engineering of dynamic molecular assemblies is the basis of molecular architectonics. The rational use of noncovalent interactions to programme the molecular assemblies allow the construction of diverse molecular and material architectures with novel functional properties and applications. Understanding and controlling the assembly of molecular systems are daunting tasks owing to the complex factors that govern at the molecular level. Molecular architectures depend on the design of functional molecular modules through the judicious selection of functional core and auxiliary units to guide the precise molecular assembly and co‐assembly patterns. Biomolecules with built‐in information for molecular recognition are the ultimate examples of evolutionary guided molecular recognition systems that define the structure and functions of living organisms. Explicit use of biomolecules as auxiliary units to command the molecular assemblies of functional molecules is an intriguing exercise in the scheme of molecular architectonics. In this minireview, we discuss the implementation of the principles of molecular architectonics for the development of novel biomaterials with functional properties and applications ranging from sensing, drug delivery to neurogeneration and tissue engineering. We present the molecular designs pioneered by our group owing to the requirement and scope of the article while acknowledging the designs pursued by several research groups that befit the concept.

Differential copper-guided architectures of amyloid β peptidomimetics modulate oxidation states and catalysis

“…The controlled organization of designer molecular building blocks to generate well-dened material architectures with unique functional properties and applications is the guiding principle of molecular architectonics. [1][2][3] Molecular recognition driven self-assembly and co-assembly through controlled noncovalent interactions are indispensable in the construction of diverse architectures. In the scheme of molecular architectonics, biomolecules play a key role as functional auxiliaries.…”

Construction of spatially organized, peptide/peptide derivative containing nanocomposites

“…98 Hydrophilic amino acids usually carry polar or ionizable moieties, particularly, Asp, Glu, Lys, Arg, and His are electrically charged at physiological pH, which render them prevailing constituents in biomedical materials. 124,125 Hydrophobic amino acids are featured by the presence of aromatic or aliphatic moieties and peptides consisting of aromatic residues, identified from βamyloid, have been elucidated as important assembling motifs by extensive early studies. 85,98,99 Through well-established methods of peptide synthesis, amino acid residues can be integrated into peptide chain in predetermined sequence.…”

Nucleic Acid Architectonics for pH-Responsive DNA Systems and Devices

“…2 These diverse nucleic acids structures can serve as powerful tools and methods in the custom design of molecular and material architectures with functional properties and applications through the scheme of molecular architectonics. 6,7 The new era of DNA nanotechnology allows exploitation of stimuli-triggered conformational change, reorganization, or reconstruction of DNA nanoarchitecture as signal readout mechanisms. The protonation of nucleobases elicits non-WC base pairing interactions such as Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding, which are strongly dependent on pH conditions.…”

“…GQ structures formed through Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding in the form of a tetrad of four Gs, which is further stabilized by metal ions such as K + and Na + . These diverse nucleic acids structures can serve as powerful tools and methods in the custom design of molecular and material architectures with functional properties and applications through the scheme of molecular architectonics. , …”