Chirality in Supramolecular Chemistry

A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Chemistry: Symmetry/Asymmetry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2022) | Viewed by 14867

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School of Chemistry, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK
Interests: supramolecular chemistry; rare earth-containing assemblies; imaging and selective chemical modification of proteins
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Dear Colleagues,

Chirality (asymmetry) is relevant in all aspects of chemistry. Most notably, nature has chosen life to be chiral. The two most remarkable biopolymers (DNA, proteins) use chirality to achieve unparalleled control over recognition processes or to impart control over their structural motifs: protein folding, DNA helicity. Taking inspiration from nature, supramolecular chemistry has drastically evolved from its initial steps of crown ether macrocycles recognizing cations to large, very complex molecular machines. Chirality has an important part to play in the further development of supramolecular chemistry, giving us access to systems capable of chiral recognition emulating proteins and control over the self-assembly process to obtain nanomaterials with new properties.

The aim of this Special Issue “Chirality in Supramolecular Chemistry” is to highlight aspects of symmetry and asymmetry in supramolecular space, showcasing examples where non-covalent interactions between molecules play a role in recognition events, self-assembly, or physicochemical properties. All of which cover the breadth of what makes this branch of chemistry such a diverse and exciting field of research. Contributions are invited which address a chirality-focused approach to host–guest chemistry, foldamers, nanomaterials, systems out of equilibrium, self-assembly, and mechanical bonds.

Dr. Guzman Gil-Ramirez
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Chirality
  • Symmetry
  • Supramolecular chemistry
  • Host–guest chemistry
  • Molecular self-assembly
  • Topological chirality
  • Chiral recognition
  • Foldamer
  • Systems out of equilibrium
  • Nanomaterials
  • Mechanical bond

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1154 KiB  
Article
The Symmetric Difference Distance: A New Way to Evaluate the Evolution of Interfaces along Molecular Dynamics Trajectories; Application to Influenza Hemagglutinin
by Valentin Ozeel, Aurélie Perrier, Anne Vanet and Michel Petitjean
Symmetry 2019, 11(5), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym11050662 - 12 May 2019
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3010
Abstract
We propose a new and easy approach to evaluate structural dissimilarities between frames issued from molecular dynamics, and we test this methodology on human hemagglutinin. This protein is responsible for the entry of the influenza virus into the host cell by endocytosis, and [...] Read more.
We propose a new and easy approach to evaluate structural dissimilarities between frames issued from molecular dynamics, and we test this methodology on human hemagglutinin. This protein is responsible for the entry of the influenza virus into the host cell by endocytosis, and this virus causes seasonal epidemics of infectious disease, which can be estimated to result in hundreds of thousands of deaths each year around the world. We computed the three interfaces between the three protomers of the hemagglutinin H1 homotrimer (PDB code: 1RU7) for each of its conformations generated from molecular dynamics simulation. For each conformation, we considered the set of residues involved in the union of these three interfaces. The dissimilarity between each pair of conformations was measured with our new methodology, the symmetric difference distance between the associated set of residues. The main advantages of the full procedure are: (i) it is parameter free; (ii) no spatial alignment is needed and (iii) it is simple enough so that it can be implemented by a beginner in programming. It is shown to be a relevant tool to follow the evolution of the conformation along the molecular dynamics trajectories. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chirality in Supramolecular Chemistry)
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Review

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13 pages, 3071 KiB  
Review
Thin Films of Homochiral Metal–Organic Frameworks for Chiroptical Spectroscopy and Enantiomer Separation
by Chun Li and Lars Heinke
Symmetry 2020, 12(5), 686; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym12050686 - 26 Apr 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4083
Abstract
Chiral nanoporous solids are a fascinating class of materials, allowing efficient enantiomer separation. Here, we review the status, applications, and potential of thin films of homochiral metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Combining the advantages of MOFs, whose well-defined, crystalline structures can be rationally tuned, with [...] Read more.
Chiral nanoporous solids are a fascinating class of materials, allowing efficient enantiomer separation. Here, we review the status, applications, and potential of thin films of homochiral metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Combining the advantages of MOFs, whose well-defined, crystalline structures can be rationally tuned, with the benefits of thin films enables new opportunities for the characterization of the enantioselectivity, e.g., via chiroptical spectroscopy and straightforward molecular uptake quantifications. By incorporating photoresponsive molecules in the chiral MOF films, the enantioselectivity of the material can be dynamically remote-controlled. The most promising application of MOF films is their use as membranes, where the enantioselective separation of chiral molecules is demonstrated and parameters for further improvements are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chirality in Supramolecular Chemistry)
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13 pages, 828 KiB  
Review
Enantiomers of Carbohydrates and Their Role in Ecosystem Interactions: A Review
by Lea Lojkova, Valerie Vranová, Pavel Formánek, Ida Drápelová, Martin Brtnicky and Rahul Datta
Symmetry 2020, 12(3), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym12030470 - 17 Mar 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6866
Abstract
D- and most L-enantiomers of carbohydrates and carbohydrate-containing compounds occur naturally in plants and other organisms. These enantiomers play many important roles in plants including building up biomass, defense against pathogens, herbivory, abiotic stress, and plant nutrition. Carbohydrate enantiomers are also precursors of [...] Read more.
D- and most L-enantiomers of carbohydrates and carbohydrate-containing compounds occur naturally in plants and other organisms. These enantiomers play many important roles in plants including building up biomass, defense against pathogens, herbivory, abiotic stress, and plant nutrition. Carbohydrate enantiomers are also precursors of many plant compounds that significantly contribute to plant aroma. Microorganisms, insects, and other animals utilize both types of carbohydrate enantiomers, but their biomass and excrements are dominated by D-enantiomers. The aim of this work was to review the current knowledge about carbohydrate enantiomers in ecosystems with respect to both their metabolism in plants and occurrence in soils, and to identify critical knowledge gaps and directions for future research. Knowledge about the significance of D- versus L-enantiomers of carbohydrates in soils is rare. Determining the mechanism of genetic regulation of D- and L-carbohydrate metabolism in plants with respect to pathogen and pest control and ecosystem interactions represent the knowledge gaps and a direction for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chirality in Supramolecular Chemistry)
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