Optical Anion Sensing Using Templated and Surface Assembled Interlocked Cavities

Lead Research Organisation: University of Oxford
Department Name: Oxford Chemistry

Abstract

There is intense current interest being shown in the design and syntheses of receptors that are proficient at detecting anions in solution. This project aims to construct novel surface attached interlocked 'host' molecules that are designed to bind, highly specifically, negatively charged guest species (phosphate and chloride) within a single molecular host framework. The optical signalling or reporter group is incorporated into the host cavity such that the guest selectively fits in close proximity to this optically sensitive group and a response occurs on host-guest binding. Using the guest anion to act as a template to assemble a host cavity around it, where the host binding site consists of a wheel wrapping around an axle, results in a unique topological cavity of ideal three dimensions for the anion template. This template can be chosen to be a target species to sense eg chloride. Attaching the resultant molecular host system to a surface followed by removal of the templating anion leads to the production of an optical sensing device material that will exhibit unprecedented selectivity and sensitivity towards targeted negatively charged species.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description The formation of molecular assemblies where components are "interlocked" rather than bonded offers much to the generation of many of the "molecular switches" and "molecular machines" that underpin much of "nanotechnology". This project established a range of methods by which these assemblies could be prepared in a specific and controlled manner and then assembled in two dimensional films that were thereafter able to act as sensors
Exploitation Route Several of the synthetic strategies developed have underpinned further work. Some of the surface analytical techniques applied and challenges encountered have led to a more specifically informed view of the area generally and outlined a number of promising ways forward
Sectors Chemicals,Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology
 
Description Some of the findings have outlined principles by which the highly selective sensing of anions can be achieved. This in turn has led to the formulation of concepts relevant to environmental sensing. New label free capacitative principles have been established by which specific target ion recruitment into designed molecular films can be tracked
First Year Of Impact 2018
Sector Chemicals,Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology,Security and Diplomacy
Impact Types Societal
 
Title New analytical methodology 
Description New label free capacitative application of electroanalytical impedance to track ion binding within receptive films 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact The approach (submitted for publication) would enable to use of ion receptors without the additional need to integrate reporter groups