Adaptive Nanomaterials (MC9)

Convener:

Mathias Brust, University of Liverpool, UK

Programme:

Monday 3 August (morning and afternoon)

Keynote Speakers

Adaptive porous molecules
Andrew I. Cooper, University of Liverpool, UK

Engineering the nanoparticle-biomolecule interface
Vincent M. Rotello, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA

Award Lectures

Mechanically interlocked architectures via active-metal template strategies
Kevin D. Hänni, University of Edinburgh, UK
(Winner of the RSC Laurie Vergnano Award 2008)

Hollow nanostructures from self-assembled metalloblock copolymers
Rachel O'Reilly, University of Cambridge, UK
(Winner of the RSC Meldola Medal and Prize 2008)

Speakers

Adaptive chemistry of enzymes (PLA2) studied at the nanoscale
Thomas Bjørnholm, Copenhagen University, Denmark

Gold nano-particles dot-pattern under supercritical CO2 based on smart amphiphilic block copolymer mask
Séverine A.E. Boyer, MINES ParisTech, France

Gold nanoparticles, peptides and cells: the dynamic picture
Raphaël Lévy, University of Liverpool, UK

Cell membrane penetrating nanoparticles
Francesco Stellacci, MIT, USA 

Symposium Information

Adaptation to environmental pressures by evolution is responsible for the biodiversity on earth. Supramolecular chemistry has shown that ensembles of molecules could also exhibit adaptive behaviour in the presence of environmental constraints (e.g. interfaces, fields, molecular templates, flow) and the mechanisms of adaptation are similar to those that drive biological evolution. Since molecules don't usually replicate, selection has to occur via kinetic or thermodynamic trapping of the adapted molecular system. 

For example, adaptive chemistry can be employed as a preparative strategy for the combinatorial design of molecular recognition sites, and there is plenty of scope for developments in catalysis, sensing, controlled delivery and other areas.

Contributions to this symposium are invited on the adaptive behaviour of polymers and nanomaterials including nanoparticles, liposomes, vesicles and biomolecular structures. Studies of adaptive chemistry in supramolecular systems will also be considered.