A family of Pt(II)-salphen complexes with long alkyl chains is investigated as low-molecular-weight organogelators. Multi-scale characterization of their supramolecular gels reveals how the chain len...

No need for metals or recognition sites to build these molecular machines

Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are bifunctional molecules designed to induce the degradation of specific proteins within a cell. While most PROTACs are noncovalent interactors, covalent PROT...

Fascinés par le fonctionnement des moteurs biologiques comme la kinésine ou l’ATP-synthase, protéines essentielles à

The achievement of unidirectional molecular movement is a significant challenge due to competition by Brownian motion. Nature can overcome this proble…

Achieving unidirectional molecular movement is a major challenge, often requiring molecular ratchets. Here, we exploit the unique 3D structure and selective functionalization of cyclodextrin to achieve unidirectional motion in a rotaxane system. The cyclodextrin enables one-way gate opening and promotes forward movement via a double-gated ratchet mechanism. These findings pave the way for more efficient rotary molecular motors in cyclic systems and could enable long-range translational motion at the molecular scale.

Supramolecular self-assembly is a promising tool to develop multifunctional theranostic agents and has recently entered the field of radiochemistry. In this work, lantern-shaped [Pd2L4]4+ metallacages...

Nature Biotechnology - Big pharma and investors are piling into the precision radiation space as the next generation of increasingly potent targeted α-particle therapies promises to destroy...

An Iupac committee wants your input to guide its recommendations for key terms in the field

A cross-linked polymer gel driven by artificial molecular motors transforms chemical energy into mechanical force, achieving powered contraction and re-expansion, demonstrating a considerable advance ...

Controlling the motion of molecular machines to influence higher-order structures is well-established in biological systems but remains a significant challenge for synthetic analogs. Herein, we aim to harness the mechanical switching of switchable molecular tweezers to modulate their self-assembly and produce stimuli-responsive organogels. We report a series of terpy(Pt-salphen)2 molecular tweezers functionalized with alkyl chains that act as low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs) in their open conformation. The resulting organogels were thoroughly characterized by SEM, cryo-TEM, SAXS, and rheology. The macroscopic transition from gel to solution was achieved by the cation-induced closing of the tweezers, which triggers their substantial structural reorganization. Reversible sol–gel transitions were achieved through the sequential addition of chemical stimuli or by a decomposable acid in a time-controlled operation. Such transient disassembly process regulated by a chemical fuel enables multiple gelation cycles with minimal waste while maintaining stable rheological properties. These results underscore the potential of switchable molecular tweezers in creating advanced stimuli-responsive materials.

Controlling the motion of molecular machines to influence higher-order structures is well-established in biological systems but remains a significant challenge for synthetic analogs. Herein, we aim to harness the mechanical switching of switchable molecular tweezers to modulate their self-assembly and produce stimuli-responsive organogels. We report a series of terpy(Pt-salphen)2 molecular tweezers functionalized with alkyl chains that act as low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs) in their open conformation. The resulting organogels were thoroughly characterized by SEM, cryo-TEM, SAXS, and rheology. The macroscopic transition from gel to solution was achieved by the cation-induced closing of the tweezers, which triggers their substantial structural reorganization. Reversible sol–gel transitions were achieved through the sequential addition of chemical stimuli or by a decomposable acid in a time-controlled operation. Such transient disassembly process regulated by a chemical fuel enables multiple gelation cycles with minimal waste while maintaining stable rheological properties. These results underscore the potential of switchable molecular tweezers in creating advanced stimuli-responsive materials.