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.