Hierarchical transfer of stereochemical information in synthetic
macromolecules
J. J. L. M. Cornelissen
Department of Organic Chemistry NSRIM Institute, University
of Nijmegen, Toernooiveld 1, NL-6525 ED Nijmegen, Netherlands
Abstract: In Nature, a wide variety of complex tasks (e.g.,
catalysis, transport, and information storage) is performed by biomacromolecules
with precise composition, dimensions, and architecture. To achieve the
precise organization required for efficient function, structural information
is built into the smallest building blocks of biomacromolecules (i.e.,
amino and nucleic acids) and subsequently transferred in a hierarchical
fashion to form larger quaternary structures. These construction principles
have been an inspiration for synthetic and supramolecular chemists alike,
and a number of synthetic biomimetic helical macromolecules have been
reported in the recent literature. Here, some recent developments in
the field of helical polyisocyanides will be reviewed in combination
with new prospects on the self-organization of protein/polymer hybrid
architectures.
* Pure Appl. Chem.
74, 2021-2081 (2002). A collection of invited, peer-reviewed articles
by the winners of the 2002 IUPAC Prize for Young Chemists.
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