Protein receptors frequently rely on guest-induced cooperative conformational changes to �turn-on� disengaged intra-receptor interactions to strengthen the host�guest interactions. Rational design of such cooperatively enhanced receptors (CERs), however, has been difficult. In this project, a carboxylate-functionalized cholate dimer was synthesized that could fold in water through intramolecular hydrophobic interactions. Receptors were then constructed from these foldable cholate arms that displayed strong guest-induced cooperative conformational changes. The conformational changes enhanced the binding affinities of these receptors toward their amine guests in water and were also responsible for the high binding selectivity observed.

Cooperatively enhanced receptors (CERs) for biomimetic molecular recognition in water

248th National Meeting (2014)

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