Themed collection 2018 ChemSci Pick of the Week Collection
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Total synthesis of micrococcin P1 and thiocillin I enabled by Mo(VI) catalyst
Total synthesis of two thiopeptide antibiotics, micrococcin P1 and thiocillin I, is described featuring new molybdenum catalyst.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 1971-1975
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC04885A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Color-tunable lanthanide metal–organic framework gels
MOF gels with intrinsic emission color are prepared with 5-boronoisophthalic acid and Eu3+, Tb3+, and/or Dy3+. Single-metal gels exhibit trichromatic fluorescence, so full color emissions are readily obtained by tuning the type and/or ratio of Ln3+ ions to prepare mixed-metal gels. Nano-ribbons form from the precursors and then entangle together to generate the gels.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 1644-1650
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC04732D
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Learning continuous and data-driven molecular descriptors by translating equivalent chemical representations
Translation between semantically equivalent but syntactically different line notations of molecular structures compresses meaningful information into a continuous molecular descriptor.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 1692-1701
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC04175J
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Chemical and photochemical DNA “gears” reversibly control stiffness, shape-memory, self-healing and controlled release properties of polyacrylamide hydrogels
Stimuli-responsive polyacrylamide hydrogels crosslinked by glucosamine–boronate/G-quadruplexes or azobenzene-functionalized DNA reveal controlled stiffness using chemical or photochemical triggers.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 1008-1016
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC04292F
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An enzyme-activatable probe liberating AIEgens: on-site sensing and long-term tracking of β-galactosidase in ovarian cancer cells
We describe an enzyme-regulated liberation strategy to in situ generate AIEgen nanoaggregates for on-site sensing and long-term tracking of β-galactosidase in ovarian cancer cells.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 398-405
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC04266G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Cs3VO(O2)2CO3: an exceptionally thermostable carbonatoperoxovanadate with an extremely large second-harmonic generation response
A highly thermostable carbonatoperoxovanadate, Cs3VO(O2)2CO3, exhibits a remarkably strong SHG response of approximately 23.0 times that of KDP, which is the largest among those of the reported NLO carbonate materials.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 8957-8961
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC03672A
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Shape-selective crystallisation of fluxional carbon cages
Overall molecular shape, rather than any specific noncovalent interactions, controls the preferential crystallisation of shapeshifting barbaralane isomers from dynamic mixtures.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 8631-8636
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC04303E
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
A glucose/O2 fuel cell-based self-powered biosensor for probing a drug delivery model with self-diagnosis and self-evaluation
A highly compact and self-sustained in vitro “diagnosis-therapy-evaluation” platform is developed by integrating a glucose/O2 fuel cell-based biosensor with a drug delivery system.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 8482-8491
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC04019B
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Fast detection and structural identification of carbocations on zeolites by dynamic nuclear polarization enhanced solid-state NMR
A fast NMR data acquisition strategy is explored to detect and characterize carbocations on solid zeolites.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 8184-8193
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC03848A
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Advanced microRNA-based cancer diagnostics using amplified time-gated FRET
FRET and rolling circle amplification outperform RT-qPCR for microRNA diagnostics in clinical samples.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 8046-8055
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC03121E
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Selective and catalytic carbon dioxide and heteroallene activation mediated by cerium N-heterocyclic carbene complexes
A series of rare earth complexes of the form Ln(LR)3 supported by bidentate ortho-aryloxide–NHC ligands are reported (LR = O(o-C6H2–tBu2-2,6-CN(C2H2)NR); R = iPr, tBu, Mes; Ln = Ce, Sm, Eu).
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 8035-8045
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC03312A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Protonated glycine supramolecular systems: the need for quantum dynamics
Quantum mechanical simulations unequivocally explain experimental IR spectra of protonated supramolecular systems.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 7894-7901
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC03041C
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Preventing the coffee-ring effect and aggregate sedimentation by in situ gelation of monodisperse materials
Microscale uniformity and long-range cohesion in multi-functional films assembled through drop-casting is realized by in situ gelation of monodisperse building blocks.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 7596-7605
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC03302A
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Synthetic biology approaches and combinatorial biosynthesis towards heterologous lipopeptide production
Synthetic biology techniques coupled with heterologous secondary metabolite production offer opportunities for the discovery and optimisation of natural products.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 7510-7519
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC02046A
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Genome mining, isolation, chemical synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel lanthipeptide, tikitericin, from the extremophilic microorganism Thermogemmatispora strain T81
Tikitericin, a novel lanthipeptide was isolated and characterised together with its first total synthesis.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 7311-7317
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC02170H
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Facile room temperature synthesis of large graphene sheets from simple molecules
The simplest way to produce large graphene sheets starting from simple molecules (benzene or n-hexane) under ambient conditions (temperature and pressure).
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 7297-7303
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC02818D
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Combined reversible switching of ECD and quenching of CPL with chiral fluorescent macrocycles
A series of chiral fluorescent macrocycles display a remarkable combination of both +/– ECD and strong on/off CPL reversible switching upon cation binding and displacement.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 7043-7052
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC02935K
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Tuning the reactivity of nitriles using Cu(II) catalysis – potentially prebiotic activation of nucleotides
A synergistic system was established involving activating nucleotides with nitriles using Cu(II) and protecting RNA degradation by byproducts of alpha-aminonitriles.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 7053-7057
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC02513D
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Supercooling of functional alkyl-π molecular liquids
The formation of a metastable supercooled alkyl-π molecular liquid was prohibited by subtle alteration of the molecular structure.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 6774-6778
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC02723D
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Interfacing porphyrins and carbon nanotubes through mechanical links
U-shaped bisporphyrin molecules are clipped around SWCNTs using ring-closing metathesis yielding rotaxane-type derivatives, in which porphyrins and SWCNTs are connected through mechanical links.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 6779-6784
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC02492H
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Switchable gate-opening effect in metal–organic polyhedra assemblies through solution processing
Assemblies of lantern-type metal–organic polyhedra are found to show gate-opening gas adsorption depending on how they are treated with solvents.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 6463-6469
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC02263A
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Exploration of biocompatible AIEgens from natural resources
In this contribution, we propose natural resources as a new source to acquire biocompatible AIEgens.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 6497-6502
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC01635F
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A sequence-activated AND logic dual-channel fluorescent probe for tracking programmable drug release
A sense-of-logic dual-channel nanoprobe is operated via a sequence-activated AND logic gate by responding ultra-sensitively to pH changes and being subsequently triggered with biothiol for the controllable release of anti-cancer drugs.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 6176-6182
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC02079E
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Consequences of a cosolvent on the structure and molecular dynamics of supramolecular polymers in water
A cosolvent that is used to guide the self-assembly of amphiphiles in water causes abrupt structural changes, as well as non-linear behavior in the molecular dynamics of the amphiphiles.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 6199-6209
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC02257G
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A multifunctional SERS sticky note for real-time quorum sensing tracing and inactivation of bacterial biofilms
A multifunctional SERS sticky note is designed for real-time tracing of quorum sensing and inhibiting bacterial growth of live biofilms.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 5906-5911
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC02078G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Revitalizing the concept of bond order through delocalization measures in real space
Quantum mechanical bond orders are obtained from integration of the exchange–correlation density between topological atoms.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 5517-5529
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC01338A
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Diffusion across a gel–gel interface – molecular-scale mobility of self-assembled ‘solid-like’ gel nanofibres in multi-component supramolecular organogels
The diffusion of vital components of gel nanofibres across a gel–gel interface is quantified – highly dynamic, self-assembled, two-component gels can adapt and reorganise over time.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 5541-5550
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC01071D
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Genetically encoded tags for real time dissection of protein assembly in living cells
Genetically encoded tags (MoTags) to assess protein oligomeric states, probe protein structure and monitor protein–target interactions under physiological conditions in cellulo.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 5551-5555
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC00839F
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Catalysis by design: development of a bifunctional water splitting catalyst through an operando measurement directed optimization cycle
Amorphous and bifunctional water splitting catalysts are probed with a novel spectroelectrochemical quartz crystal microbalance cell, then subsequently enhanced.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 5322-5333
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC01415A
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Thermodynamic and reactivity studies of a tin corrole–cobalt porphyrin heterobimetallic complex
A rare tin–cobalt bond dissociates homolytically with accurately measured energetics, reversibly releasing a four-coordinate tin radical that catalyzes alkyne trimerization.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 4999-5007
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC01269E
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Detection and identification of designer drugs by nanoparticle-based NMR chemosensing
Unknown designer drugs can be recognized by self-organized nanoparticle receptors and identified by magnetization transfer NMR.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 4777-4784
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC01283K
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Ab initio prediction of the polymorph phase diagram for crystalline methanol
Thermodynamic phase boundaries for three molecular crystal polymorphs are mapped out with ∼0.5 kJ mol−1 accuracy.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 4622-4629
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC01237G
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Ultrathin palladium nanosheets with selectively controlled surface facets
Ultrathin two-dimensional palladium nanosheets with selectively exposed surface facets were controllably synthesized by designed functional surfactants.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 4451-4455
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC00605A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Taming a monomeric [Cu(η6-C6H6)]+ complex with silylene
Realization of a hitherto elusive unsupported η6 binding mode of benzene to a copper(I) cation employing silylene as a ligand. The back-donation from Cu to Si(II) diminishes the repulsion between d-electrons and the benzene ring and enforces the η6 binding mode.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 4333-4337
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC00459E
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Protein surface functionalisation as a general strategy for facilitating biomimetic mineralisation of ZIF-8
The surface charge and chemistry of a protein determines its ability to facilitate biomimetic mineralisation.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 4217-4223
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC00825F
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
The enhancement and suppression of immersion mode heterogeneous ice-nucleation by solutes
Heterogeneous nucleation of ice from supercooled liquid water by some atmospherically relevant nucleators is enhanced by ammonium salts and suppressed by alkali halides.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 4142-4151
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7SC05421A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Covalent triazine framework modified with coordinatively-unsaturated Co or Ni atoms for CO2 electrochemical reduction
Nickel-modified covalent triazine frameworks effectively reduced CO2 to CO because adsorbed COOH was stabilized on the coordinatively-unsaturated Ni atoms in CTF.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 3941-3947
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC00604K
About this collection
In 2018, the Chemical Science Editorial Team launched ‘ChemSci Pick of the Week’ as a means to select and promote our favourite articles from the week and share them with the wider chemical community. This on-going web collection showcases all ChemSci Picks from 2018.
All ChemSci Picks are promoted via Twitter and have an accompanying news article posted via our website.