In the standard approach to lattice proteins the models based on nearest neighbor interaction are used. In this kind of models it is difficult to explain the existence of secondary structures — special preferred conformations of protein chains. In the present paper a new lattice model of proteins is proposed which is based on non-local cooperative interactions. In this model the energy of a con...

We report the synthesis of a [c2]daisy-chain dimer via ruthenium-catalyzed ring-closing olefin metathesis. Confirmation of the interlocked nature of the structure was achieved through single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The dimer could be readily switched from the bound to the unbound conformation by treatment with 3.0 equiv of KOH and subsequently reprotonated by treatment with 3.0 equi...

The title coordination polymer, [Ag(2)(C(10)H(4)O(8))(C(12)H(9)N(3))(2)](n), was prepared by a hydro-thermal method. The Ag(I) atom exists in a strongly distorted trigonal coordination environment. Two Ag(I) ions related by an inversion centre are coordinated by two 2-(3-pyrid-yl)benzimidazole ligands, forming a centrosymmetric cyclic dimer. The bridging bidentate 2,5-dicarboxy-benzene-1,4-dica...

This article reviews optical manipulation coupled with photochemical/photothermal responses of nanometer sized materials including molecular systems, polymers, and inorganic nanoparticles. After the introduction, section 2 overviews trapping systems early-stage studies, such as polymer chains, micelles, aggregates in solution at room temperatures. Then, conformation control macromolecule assemb...

In this Comment, we point out that the Euler-Lagrange equations, which are referred to as the general equilibrium equations by Zhao et al. [Phys. Rev. E 74, 032801 (2006)] are incorrect along with the equations which are derived from them. The correct equations are provided in this Comment. We produce new numerical results with the use of the correct equations.

When non-covalently bonded crystalline inclusion compounds (ICs) are formed by threading the host cyclic starches, cyclodextrins (CDs), onto guest polymer chains, and excess polymer is employed, non-stoichiometric (n-s)-polymer-CD-ICs, with partially uncovered and “dangling” chains result. The crystalline host CD lattice is stable to ~300 °C, and the uncovered, yet constrained, portions of the ...

Hydrophilic and hydrophobic weak polybasic brushes immersed in aqueous solutions of mixed salt counterions are considered using a mean-field numerical self-consistent field approach. On top of the solvent quality of the polymer, the counterion-solvent interactions are accounted for by implementing Flory-Huggins interaction parameters. We show that ion specificity within the brush can bring abou...

Although a number of procedures to create synthetic polymer nanoparticles (NPs) with an intrinsic affinity to target biomacromolecules have been published, little has been reported on strategies to control the binding kinetics of target recognition. Here, we report an enzyme-mimic strategy to control binding/dissociation rate constants of NPs, which bind proteins through multipoint interactions...

Surfaces that respond to local environmental stimuli offer intriguing possibilities for new surface-based sensing concepts emerge. An attractive concept is push beyond the milli- micrometer lateral resolution limit in sensing, toward ultimate surface-sensitive device; one capable of real-time nanoscopic, or molecular “touch.” This needs an approach spatially transducing information on nanotouch...

We introduce a continuum model for polymer melts filled with nanoparticles capable of describing in a unified and self-consistent way their microstructure, phase behavior, and rheology in both the linear and nonlinear regimes. It is based on the Hamiltonian formulation of transport phenomena for fluids with a complex microstructure with the final dynamic equations derived by means of a generali...