Inducing and Switching the Handedness of Polyacetylenes with Topologically Chiral [2]Catenane Pendants.

To explore the chirality induction and switching of topological chirality, poly[2]catenanes composed of helical poly(phenylacetylenes) (PPAs) main chain and topologically chiral [2]catenane pendants are described for the first time. These poly[2]catenanes with optically active [2]catenanes on side chains were synthesized by polymerization of enantiomerically pure topologically chiral [2]catenanes with ethynyl polymerization site and/or point chiral moiety. The chirality information of [2]catenane pendants was successfully transferred to the main chain of polyene backbones, leading to preferred-handed helical conformations, while the introduction of point chiral units has negligible effect on the overall helices.

Molecular Springs: Integration of Complex Dynamic Architectures into Functional Devices.

Molecular/supramolecular springs are artificial nanoscale objects possessing well-defined structures and tunable physicochemical properties. Like a macroscopic spring, supramolecular springs are capable of switching their nanoscale conformation as a response to external stimuli by undergoing mechanical spring-like motions. This dynamic action offers intriguing opportunities for engineering molecular nanomachines by translating the stimuli-responsive nanoscopic motions into macroscopic work.

Molecule-Graphene Hybrid Materials with Tunable Mechanoresponse: Highly Sensitive Pressure Sensors for Health Monitoring.

The development of pressure sensors is crucial for the implementation of electronic skins and for health monitoring integrated into novel wearable devices. Tremendous effort is devoted toward improving their sensitivity, e.g.

Real-Time Monitoring the Dynamics of Coordination-Driven Self-Assembly by Fluorescence-Resonance Energy Transfer.

It is quite challenging to investigate the dynamics of coordination-driven self-assembly due to the existence of multiple intermediates and many possible processes. By taking advantage of the high sensitivity and efficiency of fluorescence-resonance energy transfer (FRET), FRET was successfully employed to real-time monitor the dynamic behavior of coordination-driven self-assembly. The Förster energy transfer efficiencies and kinetic aspects of a series of discrete, well-defined metallacycles have been determined.

A naphthalimide-based fluorescent probe for highly selective detection of histidine in aqueous solution and its application in in vivo imaging.

A naphthalimide-based fluorescent ensemble probe NPC for selectively detecting His in aqueous solution (10 mM HEPES, pH 7.4) has been reported. Moreover, the application of NPC in in vivo (both in Hela cells and in C.

A naphthalimide-based fluorescence "turn-on" probe for the detection of Pb(2+) in aqueous solution and living cells.

An easily available naphthalimide-based fluorescent probe NPA for Pb(2+) detection was successfully developed. NPA exhibited an obvious fluorescence turn-on response toward Pb(2+) in aqueous solution and in living cells. Moreover, a series of model compounds were rationally designed and synthesized in order to explore the sensing mechanism and binding mode of NPA with Pb(2+) .

A naphthalimide-based bifunctional fluorescent probe for the differential detection of Hg²⁺ and Cu²⁺ in aqueous solution.

A novel fluorescent probe NPM based on naphthalimide was designed and synthesized. Interestingly, NPM exhibited highly selective fluorescence turn-on for Hg(2+) and turn-off for Cu(2+) in aqueous solution (10 mM HEPES, pH 7.5).