Ballester
Research group
Abstract
Our research aims are mainly focused on the design, synthesis and application of molecular containers. We work in the synthesis of calix[4]pyrrole structures soluble in both organic and aqueous media. We study their binding processes with biologically relevant molecules (e.g. anions, N-oxides). This constitutes the starting point for further understanding more complex biological molecular recognition processes or the mechanism operating in sensing devices.
We pursue the preparation of molecular capsules by using different strategies, including covalent chemistry, dynamic covalent bonds and lately metal-coordination bonds.
The preparation of mechanically interlocked structures is another area of our interest. Rotaxanes and catenanes present unique three-dimensional cavities for anion recognition that resemble the preorganized pocket of anion binding proteins in Nature. That’s why we dedicate part of our efforts to synthetize and study the binding abilities of interlocked structures based on calix[4]pyrrole scaffolds.
Finally, we also are proactive in the collaboration with other research groups working in the area of sensing devices. We want to apply the receptors prepared in the group for the development of sensing devices that can be used for the detection and quantification of clinically relevant molecules in real biological fluids (e.g. creatinine).
Topics addressed
- Synthesis of calix[4]pyrrole scaffolds
- Dynamic covalent capsules
- Mechanically Interlocked Molecules
- Metal-based structures
- Calix[4]pyrroles for sensing
Articles
“A Metal Organic Framework Based on a Tetra-Arylextended Calix 4 pyrrole Ligand: Structure Control through the Covalent Connectivity of the Linker.”
Crystal Growth & Design (2017) 17(3): 1328-1338 Aguilera-Sigalat, J., C. Saenz de Pipon, D. Hernandez-Alonso, E. C. Escudero-Adan, J. Ramon Galan-Mascaros and P. Ballester
“Light-responsive molecular containers.”
Chemical Communications (2017) 53(34): 4635-4652 Diaz-Moscoso, A. and P. Ballester
“Stereoselective Synthesis of Lower and Upper Rim Functionalized Tetra-alpha Isomers of Calix 4 pyrroles.”
Organic Letters (2017) 19(1): 226-229 Diaz-Moscoso, A., D. Hernandez-Alonso, L. Escobar, F. A. Arroyave and P. Ballester
“Solid-state inclusion of C-60 and C-70 in a co-polymer induced by metal-ligand coordination of a Zn-porphyrin cage with a bis-pyridyl perylene derivative.”
Crystengcomm (2017) 19(33): 4911-4919 Escudero-Adan, E. C., A. Bauza, L. P. Hernandez-Eguia, F. Wuerthner, P. Ballester and A. Fronter
“Template-directed self-assembly of dynamic covalent capsules with polar interiors.”
Chemical Science (2017) 8(11): 7746-7750 Galan, A., E. C. Escudero-Adan and P. Ballester
“Characterization of a new ionophore-based ion-selective electrode for the potentiometric determination of creatinine in urine.”
Biosensors & Bioelectronics (2017) 87: 587-592 Guinovart, T., D. Hernandez-Alonso, L. Adriaenssens, P. Blondeau, F. X. Rius, P. Ballester and F. J. Andrade
“Attachment of a Ru-II Complex to a Self-Folding Hexaamide Deep Cavitand.”
Journal of the American Chemical Society (2017) 139(35): 12109-12112 Korom, S. and P. Ballester
“Self-Assembly of Di-N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Gold-Adorned Corannulenes on C-60.”
Chemistry-a European Journal (2017) 23(44): 10644-10651 Mejuto, C., L. Escobar, G. Guisado-Barrios, P. Ballester, D. Gusev and E. Peris
“Ion-pair recognition by a neutral 2 rotaxane based on a bis-calix 4 pyrrole cyclic component.”
Chemical Science (2017) 8(1): 491-498 Ramon Romero, J., G. Aragay and P. Ballester
“Selection and characterization of DNA aptamers against the steroid testosterone.”
Microchimica Acta (2017) 184(6): 1631-1639 Skouridou, V., M. Jauset-Rubio, P. Ballester, A.
S. Bashammakh, M. S. El-Shahawi, A. O. Alyoubi and C. K. O’Sullivan
“Effects of Nanoconfinement on Catalysis”. Edited by Rinaldo Poli. (Book review). Springer International Publishing, (2017) pp 266. P. Ballester
“Anion–π Interactions: Theoretical Studies, Supramolecular Chemistry and Catalysis”
Book Chapter In: “Aromatic Interactions : Frontiers in Knowledge and Application”, Royal Society of Chemistry (2017), pp 39-37. A. Frontera, P. Ballerter
“Preservation of electronic properties of double-decker complexes on metallic supports”
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. (2017) 19, 8282-8287
B. Cirera, J. Matarrubia, T. Kaposi, N. Giménez-Aguiló, M. Paszkiewicz, F. Klappenberger, R. Otero, J.M. Gallego, P. Ballester, J.V. Barth, R. Miranda, J.R. Galán-Mascarós, W. Auwärter, D. Ecija