A Chameleon-like Molecular Chain That Could Help Clean the Planet and Monitor Your Health

 

Inspired by everyday objects like metal chains and key rings, researchers have developed a nano-sized interlocked molecule called catenane that can bind strongly and selectively to either spherical copper(I) cation or tetrahedral sulfate anion despite their opposite charge and different geometry. Normally, a binding site that attracts a positively charged cation will experience repulsion with a negatively charged anion and vice versa. This unique and unusual ability of the catenane to adapt to these two distinct ion-binding modes highlights its remarkable versatility in molecular recognition. 

 

The adaptability of this catenane is achieved by the free rotatory motions of its two interlocked macrocycles, which allow the catenane to adapt its shape and switch between different binding modes based on the type of ion it encounters, resembling a chameleon that can change its appearance to fit in specific environments. As both copper and sulfate ions are essential for biological processes, such as regulating energy production and proper cell growth, and are also widely used and generated in modern industries, the catenane’s ability to selectively bind these ions could lead to advancements in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring and ion recycling.

This discovery opens new possibilities for designing molecular recognition systems capable of addressing complex chemical challenges.

 

我們的研究人員開發出一種被稱為「索烴」的納米級分子鏈扣，能選擇性地與亞銅正離子（copper(I) cation）或硫酸根負離子（sulfate anion）高效結合。這項創新有望應用於環境監測、醫學診斷及資源回收，在分子識別層面上為解決複雜化學難題提供了新思路。