Supramolecular alignment of gold nanorods via cucurbit[8]uril ternary complex formation.

We have shown, for the first time, that a three component system is capable of aligning gold nanorods (AuNRs) through supramolecular host-guest interactions leading to control over AuNR end-to-end assembly. Viologen end-functionalised AuNRs were prepared that were capable of selectively binding to a cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) macrocyclic host molecule. These end-functionalised AuNRs could participate in 1 : 1 : 1 ternary complexation with synthesised telechelic linker molecules bearing second guest moieties, in the presence of CB[8].

Supramolecular cross-linked networks via host-guest complexation with cucurbit[8]uril.

The ability to finely tune the solution viscosity of an aqueous system is critical in many applications ranging from large-scale fluid-based industrial processes to free-standing hydrogels important in regenerative medicine, controlled drug delivery, and 'green' self-healing materials. Herein we demonstrate the use of the macrocyclic host molecule cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) to facilitate reversible cross-linking of multivalent copolymers with high binding constants (K(a) > 10(11)-10(12) M(-2)) leading to a supramolecular hydrogel. Multivalent copolymers were prepared by free radical polymerization techniques and contained either pendant methyl viologen (a good first guest for CB[8]) or naphthoxy derivatives (good second guests for CB[8]).

Chemical complexity--supramolecular self-assembly of synthetic and biological building blocks in water.

Aqueous supramolecular chemistry, the non-covalent assembly of simple building blocks into higher ordered architectures in water has received much focus recently. Biological systems are able to form complex, and well-defined microstructures essential to cellular function, and supramolecular chemistry has demonstrated its utility in assembling molecules to form increasingly complex assemblies. This tutorial review will summarise non-covalent building blocks based on both synthetic and biological systems in an aqueous environment, emphasising the complexity of the assemblies formed.

Synthesis and in vivo activity of MK2 and MK2 substrate-selective p38alpha(MAPK) inhibitors in Werner syndrome cells.

A benzopyranopyridine inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) is prepared rapidly and efficiently in one step using microwave dielectric heating, whereas a substrate-selective p38 MAPK inhibitor was prepared using conventional heating techniques. The former had MK2 inhibitory activity above 2.5 microM concentration, whereas the latter showed no MK2 inhibition at 10 microM.