Delving into the Variability of Supramolecular Affinity: Self-Ion Pairing as a Central Player in Aqueous Host-Guest Chemistry.

The determination of binding constants is a key matter in evaluating the strength of host-guest interactions. However, the profound impact of self-ion pairing on this parameter is often underrated in aqueous solution, leading in some cases to a misinterpretation of the true potential of supramolecular assemblies. In the present study, we aim to shed further light on this critical factor by exploring the concentration-dependent behavior of a multicharged pillararene in water. Our observations reveal an extraordinary 1-million-fold variability in the affinity of this macrocycle toward a given anion, showcasing the highly dynamic character of electrostatic interactions. We argue that these findings bring to the forefront the inherent determinism that underlies the estimation of affinity constants, a factor profoundly shaped by both the sensitivity of the instrumental technique in use and the intricacies of the experimental design itself. In terms of applications, these results may provide the opportunity to optimize the operational concentrations of multicharged hosts in different scenarios, aiming to achieve their maximum efficiency based on the intended application. Unlocking the potential of this hidden variability may pave the way for the creation of novel molecular materials with advanced functionalities.

Pseudorotaxane formation affected by stereo-electronic effects. A theoretical and experimental study.

We report a theoretical and experimental study on different complexes of pseudorotaxanes possessing pyridine axles. In order to evaluate the stereo-electronic effects of the methyl substituents in the pyridine ring, complexes with different substitution patterns were synthesized. In this way, it was possible to analyze the different behaviors of these complexes according to the positions of their methyl substituents. Combined techniques of molecular dynamics and quantum mechanical calculations with the help of molecular electrostatic potentials for a simpler visualization of the electronic effects were employed. We have sought experimental support of NMR spectroscopy analysis to corroborate the conclusions obtained from the molecular simulations. Our results not only clearly demonstrate that both electronic and steric effects play key roles in the feasibility of the formation of such complexes, but also the simulations reported here might predict the degree of difficulty of their formation. The combination of computational techniques employed here seems to be an excellent approach to be able to predict whether or not a complex can be formed and with what degree of difficulty. In addition, our experimental and theoretical results have allowed us to visualize the formation of external complexes in the rotaxanes reported here. In this case, the use of bolaforms with trimethylammonium groups at both ends was very useful to evaluate in detail the formation of the so-called external complexes in these systems.

Simple ApproximaTion for Aggregation Number Determination by Isothermal Titration Calorimetry: STAND-ITC.

A new proposal to obtain aggregation numbers from isothermal titration calorimetry dilution experiments is described and tested using dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, dodecyl methylimidazolium chloride, dodecyl methylimidazolium sulfonate, and didecyl methylimidazolium chloride aqueous solutions at different temperatures. The results were compared to those obtained from fluorescence measurements and also with data from the literature. In addition to the aggregation number, the molar free energy to transfer a solute molecule from the aggregate to the bulk solution, the enthalpy corresponding to the formation of the self-assembled suprastructures, the molar heat corresponding to the dilution of monomers and aggregates, and an offset parameter to account for unpredictable external contributions are simultaneously obtained using the same method. The new equations are compared to those obtained from previous proposals, and they are also analyzed in detail to assess the impact of each fitting parameter in the profile of the calorimetric isotherm. This new approach has been implemented in a computational code that automatically determines the fitting parameters as well as the corresponding statistical uncertainties for the large variety of calorimetric profiles that have been tested. Given the high sensitivity of the dilution experiments to the aggregation number for relatively small assemblies, our approach is proposed also to quantify the oligomerization state of biomolecules such as proteins and peptides.

Cucurbit[7]uril as a Supramolecular Catalyst in Base-Catalyzed Reactions. Experimental and Theoretical Studies on Carbonate and Thiocarbonate Hydrolysis Reactions.

Cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) catalyzes the hydrolysis reaction of bis(4-nitrophenyl)carbonate (1) but inhibits that of bis(4-nitrophenyl)thiocarbonate (2). Two relevant CB7 effects are proposed, a base-catalyst mediated by the CB7 portal and an inhibitory role attributed to the lower interaction of the thiocarbonyl group with the solvent in the host cavity, respectively.

Hydrolysis Reactions of Two Benzoyl Chlorides as a Probe to Investigate Reverse Micelles Formed by the Ionic Liquid-Surfactant bmim-AOT.

In this work, two hydrolysis reactions were used as a probe to investigate the properties of reverse micelles (RMs) formed by the ionic liquid-surfactant 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,4-bis-2-ethylhexylsulfosuccinate (bmim-AOT). The results were compared with those found for RMs generated with sodium 1,4-bis-2-ethylhexylsulfosuccinate (Na-AOT). As external nonpolar solvents, n-heptane (n-Hp), isopropyl myristate (IPM), and methyl laurate (ML) were used. Thus, the effect of changing the Na+ cation by bmim+ was analyzed, as well as the impact of the replacement of a conventional external nonpolar solvent by biocompatible solvents. The kinetics of the hydrolysis reactions of 4-methoxybenzoyl chloride (OMe) and 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl chloride (CF3) were studied. The results indicate that the replacement of the Na+ counterion by bmim+ in AOT RMs alters the rates of reactions carried out in them and produces changes in the reaction mechanism. In bmim-AOT RMs, the bmim+ cation is located between the surfactant molecules; this has an important influence on the reaction intermediates' stability and, therefore, in the reaction rates and mechanisms. Also, the results indicate that when IPM is used as an external solvent instead of ML or n-Hp, interfacial water molecules have larger nucleophilicity due to the higher interface penetration of IPM.

AFFINImeter: A software to analyze molecular recognition processes from experimental data.

The comprehension of molecular recognition phenomena demands the understanding of the energetic and kinetic processes involved. General equations valid for the thermodynamic analysis of any observable that is assessed as a function of the concentration of the involved compounds are described, together with their implementation in the AFFINImeter software. Here, a maximum of three different molecular species that can interact with each other to form an enormous variety of supramolecular complexes are considered. The corrections currently employed to take into account the effects of dilution, volume displacement, concentration errors and those due to external factors, especially in the case of ITC measurements, are included. The methods used to fit the model parameters to the experimental data, and to generate the uncertainties are described in detail. A simulation tool and the so called kinITC analysis to get kinetic information from calorimetric experiments are also presented. An example of how to take advantage of the AFFINImeter software for the global multi-temperature analysis of a system exhibiting cooperative 1:2 interactions is presented and the results are compared with data previously published. Some useful recommendations for the analysis of experiments aimed at studying molecular interactions are provided.

Characterization of Reverse Micelles Formulated with the Ionic-Liquid-like Surfactant Bmim-AOT and Comparison with the Traditional Na-AOT: Dynamic Light Scattering, 1H NMR Spectroscopy, and Hydrolysis Reaction of Carbonate as a Probe.

The present study investigated how the presence of butylmethylimidazolium cation (bmim+) alters the interfacial properties of reverse micelles (RMs) created with the ionic liquid-like surfactant 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,4-bis-2-ethylhexylsulfosuccinate (bmim-AOT), in comparison to sodium 1,4-bis-2-ethylhexylsulfosuccinate (Na-AOT) RMs, employing dynamic light scattering (DLS) and 1H NMR techniques. Moreover, through the hydrolysis reaction of bis(4-nitrophenyl)carbonate inside both RMs as reaction probe, interfacial properties changes were explored in more detail. The kinetic solvent isotope effect was also analyzed. Micellar systems were formed using n-heptane as external nonpolar solvent and water as the polar component. According to the DLS studies, water is encapsulated inside the organized media; however, a different tendency is observed depending on the cationic component of the surfactant. For Na-AOT system, the results suggest that the micellar shapes are probably spherical, while in the case of bmim-AOT, a transition from ellipsoidal to spherical micelles could be occurring when water is added. 1H NMR data show that water is structured differently when Na+ cation is replaced by bmim+; in bmim-AOT RMs, the interaction of water with the surfactant is weaker and the water hydrogen-bonding network is less disturbed than in Na-AOT RMs. Kinetic studies reveal that the hydrolysis reaction in bmim-AOT RMs was much more favorable in comparison to Na-AOT RMs. In addition, when water content decreases in bmim-AOT RMs, the hydrolysis reaction rate increases and the solvent isotope effect remains constant, while for Na-AOT solutions, both the reaction rate and the solvent isotope effect decrease. Our results indicate that bmim+ cation would be located in the surfactant layer in such a way the negative charge density in the interface is less than that in Na-AOT RMs, and the reaction is more favorable. Additionally, as 1H NMR studies reveal, the interfacial water molecules would be more available in bmim-AOT RMs to participate in the nucleophilic attack. Therefore, the present study evidences how the replacement of Na+ counterion by bmim+ alters the composition of the interface of AOT RMs.

Inhibitory and Cooperative Effects Regulated by pH in Host-Guest Complexation between Cationic Pillar[5]arene and Reactive 2-Carboxyphthalanilic Acid.

The study of host-guest complexation between reactive 2-carboxyphthalanilic acid (CPA) and two cationic pillararenes has been carried out. Host-guest complexation with significant kinetic effects was observed only with the smaller cavity size pillararene (P5A). Kinetics in the pH range 1.50-6.40, ESI-MS, 1H NMR titration, and ROESY experiments were performed to characterize the complexes. High binding stoichiometry (H:G2) was observed for all CPA protonation states. The system is pH-dependent, and inversion of cooperativity (negative to positive) occurs by increasing the dianionic CPA2- concentration (allosteric behavior). Toward physiological pH, association constant K1:1 does not change (104 M-1), and K1:2 increased from 102 to 104 M-1, as well as the inhibitory effect increased up to 222-fold. NMR results elucidated the structure of the complex and allowed us to create a map of H-H interactions that describes well the diversity and number of interactions in the complex.

Binding of Flavylium Ions to Sulfonatocalix[4]arene and Implication in the Photorelease of Biologically Relevant Guests in Water.

The formation of host-guest complexes between seven flavylium cations and water-soluble p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene (SC4) was investigated by UV/vis absorption, fluorescence, and NMR spectroscopies. The results show the cationic guests form complexes with affinities in the submillimolar range. A representative chalcone/flavylium photoswitch was investigated in more detail regarding its pH- and light-triggered interconversion between the two forms. The dramatic affinity differentiation of the SC4 binding of the two switchable species (40 M-1 for the trans-chalcone versus 3.5 × 104 M-1 for the flavylium cation) enables the pH-gated photocontrol of the complexation process. These responsive properties were explored to demonstrate the competitive and selective release of biologically relevant guests from their supramolecular complexes with p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene (SC4), following the principle of AND logic. The guest release can be reverted by the thermally activated reaction of the flavylium ion back to the trans-chalcone.

Novel Supramolecular Nanoparticles Derived from Cucurbit[7]uril and Zwitterionic Surfactants.

Binding constants, log K ≈ 6.6 M-1, and NMR characterization of the complexes formed by sulfobetaines and cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) support the electrostatic interaction as the major driving force. This very strong binding motif is cross-linked by additional CB7 molecules, resulting in the formation of supramolecular nanoparticles (SNPs) with an average diameter of 172 nm and a negative surface potential. The time course evolution of the particle size and the surface potential suggests the very fast formation of an amorphous aggregate that absorbs an additional amount of sulfobetaine. These aggregates afford very stable (more than 2 weeks) nanoparticles in an aqueous dispersion. The reversibility of the sulfobetaine/CB7 host/guest complexes allows SNP disaggregation by adding a competitive guest as shown by treatment with tetraethylammonium chloride. The addition of this competitive cation triggers a SNP-to-micelle transition. The potential application of these nanoparticles as drug delivery vehicles was investigated by using carboxyfluorescein. These experiments revealed that upon externally induced disruption of the SNPs (by tetraethylammonium chloride) the fluorescent dye was trapped in micellar aggregates that can be further disrupted by cyclodextrin addition.

p-Sulfonatocalix[6]arene-dodecyltrimethylammonium Supramolecular Amphiphilic System: Relationship between Calixarene and Micelle Concentration.

In this work, the formation of supramolecular mixed micelles from a hexamethylated p-sulfonatocalix[6]arene (SC6HM) derivative and a conventional cationic surfactant (dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide, C12TAB) was investigated by surface tension and using pyrene as a micropolarity fluorescent probe to gain insights into the role of the calixarene concentration on the aggregation behavior. The formation of micelles at a concentration well below the critical micelle concentration of pure surfactant was observed in the presence of very low concentrations of SC6HM (below the micromolar range). Interestingly, the critical micelle concentration of the mixed system was shown to be rather insensitive to the concentration of SC6HM. On the other hand, the concentration of mixed micellar aggregates was demonstrated to be highly dependent on the macrocycle concentration and less dependent on the C12TAB concentration in the range between the critical micelle concentrations of the mixed systems and pure surfactant.

Investigation of the binding modes of a positively charged pillar[5]arene: internal and external guest complexation.

The selective binding behavior of a trimethylammonium-derived pillar[5]arene towards different guests in aqueous media and under neutral conditions is reported. Although it is known that this macrocycle has the capability to form complexes with guests, we anticipate that the intrinsic pillar shape of the macrocycle with two positively charged rims should allow a diversity of binding modes. The three guests were selected based on their charge and size. The inclusion binding modes and the affinity of the macrocycle to form host-guest complexes were determined by ITC and NMR techniques. We reveal the ability of a cationic water soluble pillar[5]arene to effectively complex two guest molecules, one in each rim, evidencing the diversity of binding modes. Two different structures for 1 : 1 and three for 1 : 2 complexes are reported showing the pillararene ability for internal/external binding.

A journey from calix[4]arene to calix[6] and calix[8]arene reveals more than a matter of size. Receptor concentration affects the stability and stoichiometric nature of the complexes.

The formation of inclusion complexes between lucigenin (N,N'-dimethyl-9,9'-biacridinium dinitrate) and p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes (SCn; n = 6, 8) was investigated by fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy. Both SC6 and SC8 were found to form 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 host-guest complexes with lucigenin showing up to 109 M-1 binding affinities. Strong quenching of the lucigenin fluorescence upon complexation was observed. Fluorescence regeneration after competitive binding with other potential guests present in solution was used as an indicator displacement assay to characterize the binding mechanism and affinity of alkaline metal ions (Li+, Na+, K+ and Cs+) with SC6 and SC8. The results demonstrate the formation of 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 calixarene : metal complexes with association constants on the order of 103 M-1 and heteroternary calixarene : lucigenin : metal complexes that predominate at metal cation concentrations above the millimolar range. Owing to the ubiquitous presence of metal cations in SCn solutions as counterions (typically Na+), the detailed description of the complexation of these species is crucial to understand and quantify the host-guest binding properties of these receptors. This work demonstrates that both the thermodynamic stability and the stoichiometric nature of the complexes is dependent on the metal ion concentration and, consequently, on the calixarene concentration.

Counterion-Controlled Self-Sorting in an Amphiphilic Calixarene Micellar System.

Molecular recognition of small molecules and ions by artificial receptors in microheterogeneous media such as micelles and vesicles can, in principle, provide better models of biological systems in comparison with bulk solutions. In this work we have investigated the complexation of an organic fluorescent probe with amphiphilic calixarene receptor below and above the critical micelle concentration (CMC). For concentrations below the CMC, the probe forms a host-guest complex with the calixarene behaving like a traditional host-guest system operating in bulk solution. Above the CMC, multiple equilibrium processes are established and the probe can exchange between the recognition site of the calixarene in the monomeric state, micellized state and/or the micellar hydrophobic core. Careful analysis of the results obtained from NMR spectroscopy and fluorescence experiments allowed us to propose a quantitative model to describe the system. The increment of the local concentration of Na(+) counterions at the Stern layer displace the dye to the micelle core through competitive binding of Na(+) in the cavity of the receptor and is decisive for the observed self-sorting behavior.

Inclusion of Ethyl Acetoacetate Bearing 7-Hydroxycoumarin Dye by ß-Cyclodextrin and its Cooperative Assembly with Mercury(II) Ions: Spectroscopic and Molecular Modeling Studies.

The inclusion of the fluorescent organic dye, ethyl 3-(7-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-3-oxopropanoate (1) by the host ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD), and its response toward mercuric ions (Hg2+ ), was studied by UV/Vis, fluorescence, and 1 H NMR spectroscopic analyses, mass spectrometry and molecular modeling studies. 1 H NMR measurements together with molecular modeling studies for dye 1 demonstrate that it exhibits two tautomeric forms (keto and enol); however, when the dye is included into the ß-CD cavity, the enol form predominates. Moreover, by using spectroscopic and spectrometry techniques, a 1:1 stoichiometry was determined for the complexes formed between dye 1 (enol form) and ß-CD, with a binding constant (Kb1 =1.8×104 m-1 ) and for the dye 1 (keto form)-Hg2+ (Kb2 =2.3×103 m-1 ). Interestingly, in the presence of 1-ß-CD complex and mercuric ions, a ternary supramolecular system (Hg-1-ß-CD complex) was established, with a 1:1:1 stoichiometry and a Kb3 value of 4.3×103 m-1 , with the keto form of the dye being the only one present in this assembly. The three-component system provides a starting point for the development of novel and directed supramolecular assemblies.

Kinetic Study of [2]Pseudorotaxane Formation with an Asymmetrical Thread.

Kinetic and thermodynamic studies on cyclodextrin (CD)-based [2]pseudorotaxane formation have been carried out by a combination of NMR and calorimetric techniques using bolaform surfactants as axles. Experimental evidence of the formation of an external complex between the trimethylammonium head groups of the axle and the external hydrogen atoms of α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) is reported. Inclusion of this external complex in the reaction pathway allows us to explain the kinetic behavior as well as the nonlinear dependence of the observed rate constant on CD concentrations. The equilibrium constant for [2]pseudorotaxane formation is strongly affected by the spacer length of the axle. This effect is a consequence of increasing rotaxane stability because the threading rate constant is almost independent of the spacer length, but dethreading strongly decreases on increasing the axle size. Using a nonsymmetrical axle with tripropyl and trimethylammonium cations precludes CD threading by the large head side. CDs will thread this asymmetrical bolaform by both their wide and narrow sides, yielding two isomeric [2]pseudorotaxanes. Threading by the wide side of the CD is 60% more favorable than that by the narrow one, but dethreading rate constants are the same for both isomers.

STAND: Surface Tension for Aggregation Number Determination.

Taking advantage of the extremely high dependence of surface tension on the concentration of amphiphilic molecules in aqueous solution, a new model based on the double equilibrium between free and aggregated molecules in the liquid phase and between free molecules in the liquid phase and those adsorbed at the air/liquid interface is presented and validated using literature data and fluorescence measurements. A key point of the model is the use of both the Langmuir isotherm and the Gibbs adsorption equation in terms of free molecules instead of the nominal concentration of the solute. The application of the model should be limited to non ionic compounds since it does not consider the presence of counterions. It requires several coupled nonlinear fittings for which we developed a software that is publicly available in our server as a web application. Using this tool, it is straightforward to get the average aggregation number of an amphiphile, the micellization free energy, the adsorption constant, the maximum surface excess (and so the minimum area per molecule), the distribution of solute in the liquid phase between free and aggregate species, and the surface coverage in only a couple of seconds, just by uploading a text file with surface tension vs concentration data and the corresponding uncertainties.

Supramolecular Recognition Induces Nonsynchronous Change of Dye Fluorescence Properties.

Fluorescence behavior of 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate (ANS) reflects a blue-shift and fluorescence enhancement on decreasing solvent polarity, with both properties affected in a synchronous way in solvent mixtures where ANS senses a homogeneous solvation shell. ANS complexation by cyclodextrins or bovine serum albumin (BSA) results in a nonhomogeneous solvation shell that is reflected by nonsynchronous variation of fluorescence properties. Steady-state fluorescence and saturation transfer difference NMR experiments allow us to conclude the formation of 1:1 and 2:1 host/guest complexes through the aniline or naphthalene moieties of ANS with cyclodextrins. This nonhomogeneous solvation shell has been ignored in studies using ANS to sense the microenvironment of proteins, micelles, bilayers, and other organized systems. ANS interaction with BSA reflects the existence of a large number of binding pockets in the surface of the protein that can be classified into two well-differentiated categories.

Competitive counterion complexation allows the true host : guest binding constants from a single titration by ionic receptors.

Counterion competitive complexation is a background process currently ignored by using ionic hosts. Consequently, guest binding constants are strongly affected by the design of the titration experiments in such a way that the results are dependent on the guest concentration and on the presence of added salts, usually buffers. In the present manuscript we show that these experimental difficulties can be overcome by just considering the counterion competitive complexation. Moreover a single titration allows us to obtain not only the true binding constants but also the stoichiometry of the complex showing the formation of 1 : 1 : 1 (host : guest : counterion) complexes. The detection of high stoichiometry complexes is not restricted to a single titration experiment but also to a displacement assay where both competitive and competitive-cooperative complexation models are taken into consideration.

Exploring the charged nature of supramolecular micelles based on p-sulfonatocalix[6]arene and dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide.

The aggregation of supramolecular amphiphiles formed from hexamethylated p-sulfonatocalix[6]arene (SC6HM) and dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C12TAB) was studied by capillary electrophoresis experiments and by kinetic probes. The hydrolysis of 4-methoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride (MBSC) was used to investigate the micropolarity of the micellar aggregates and their ability to solubilize and stabilize labile organic compounds against hydrolysis. Further insights were obtained using a more sophisticated kinetic probe: the basic hydrolysis of p-nitrophenylvalerate (NPV). This probe provides information on the ionic composition of the micellar interface and on the potential of the aggregates to be used as nanoreactors. The results obtained revealed that the charge of the micellar aggregates can be tuned from anionic to cationic through the adjustment of the C12TAB : SC6HM molar ratio and confirmed that these micelles have good solubilization properties. On the other hand, the kinetics of the p-nitrophenylvalerate basic hydrolysis suggest that, in the concentration range comprised between the first and second CMCs, Br(-) anions do not take part in the micellar structure.