ORGN 341 |
| One increasingly popular approach to control both size and shape of macromolecules is based on foldamers, non-natural molecules that adopt well-defined secondary structures under certain conditions in solution. Research in our group is focused to utilize the reversible helix-coil transition of such foldamers for the design of organic nanotubes with controlled dimension and regiospecific surface functionality as well as responsive materials and devices. Our initial work is based on a newly developed in-situ deprotection-coupling protocol yielding lengthy and defect-free PmPEs, helically folding PoPEs, as well as highly emissive, water-soluble PpPEs. In parallel work, we have been able to stabilize the folded tubular structure using either covalent or non-covalent interactions. Recently, we have successfully synthesized azobenzene-containing amphiphilic OmPE and PmPE scaffolds in order to phototrigger the helix-coil transition. Since the photoswitchable foldamer can serve as an endo-receptor site, irradiation potentially leads to a light-triggered smart delivery vehicle. |
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Organic Approaches to Nanotechnology
8:00 AM-12:00 PM, Tuesday, 12 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Room 135, Oral
Division of Organic Chemistry |