Supramolecular Chemistry Group
Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia
PI: Dr. Pablo Ballester
Research
Our research aims are mainly focused on the design, synthesis and application of molecular containers. We work in the synthesis of calix[4]pyrrole structures soluble in both organic and aqueous media. We study their binding processes with biologically relevant molecules (e.g. anions, N-oxides). This constitutes the starting point for further understanding more complex biological molecular recognition processes or the mechanism operating in sensing devices. We pursue the preparation of molecular capsules by using different strategies, including covalent chemistry, dynamic covalent bonds and lately metal-coordination bonds.
The preparation of mechanically interlocked structures is another area of our interest. Rotaxanes and catenanes present unique three-dimensional cavities for anion recognition that resemble the pre-organized pocket of anion binding proteins in Nature. That’s why we dedicate part of our efforts to synthesize and study the binding abilities of interlocked structures based on calix[4]pyrrole scaffolds. Finally, we also are proactive in the collaboration with other research groups working in the area of sensing devices, transmembrane transport and catalysis. We want to apply the receptors prepared in the group for the development of sensing devices that can be used for the detection and quantification of clinically relevant molecules in real biological fluids (e.g. creatinine). We also want to apply the synthetic receptors as carriers for the transport of anions and other biologically relevant molecules (e.g. amino acids) across liposomal and cell membranes. Finally, we are also interested in the study of the catalytic properties of our molecular containers.
Members
Coordinator
Dr. Pablo Ballester Balaguer (ICREA Professor)
Other Members
Dr. Gemma Aragay (Scientific Group Coordinator)
Guillem Peñuelas (PhD Student)
Ricardo Molina (PhD Student)
Qingqing Sun (PhD Student)
Pedro Ferreira (PhD Student)
Giulia Moncelsi (PhD Student)
Felipe Sierra (PhD Student)
Dragos Dabuleanu (PhD Student)
Andrea Rivoli (PhD Student)
Chiara F. M. Mirabella (PhD Student)
Selected Publications
Optical Supramolecular Sensing of Creatinine. A. F. Sierra, D. Hernández-Alonso, M. A. Romero, J. A. González-Delgado, U. Pischel, P. Ballester, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 142, 4276-4284
Guest Exchange Mechanisms in Mono‐Metallic Pd(II)/Pt(II)‐Cages Based on a Tetra‐Pyridyl Calix[4]pyrrole Ligand. L. Escobar, E. C. Escudero-Adán, P. Ballester, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019, 58, 16105-16109.
Efficient hydrogen bonding recognition in water using aryl-extended calix[4]pyrrole receptors. G. Peñuelas-Haro, P. Ballester, Chem. Sci. 2019, 10, 2413-2423.
Ion-pair recognition by a neutral [2]rotaxane based on a bis-calix[4]pyrrole cyclic component. J. R. Romero, G. Aragay, P. Ballester, Chem. Sci. 2017, 8, 491-498.
Recognition and Sensing of Creatinine. T. Guinovart, D. Hernández-Alonso, L. Adriaenssens, P. Blondeau, M. Martínez-Belmonte, F. X. Rius, F. J. Andrade, P. Ballester Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 2435-2440.