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Project

Development of novel supramolecular assemblies based on proteins and polyoxometalates

Designing and synthesizing (bio)organic-inorganic hybrid materials is an important challenge in the development of novel functional materials that benefit from the synergy of the combined properties of the organic and inorganic components. Polyoxometalates (POMs), which are a family of anionic metal-oxo nanoclusters, are promising building blocks for the formation of such hybrid functional materials. These nanoclusters of group V and IV transition metals, typically in their highest oxidation state, have highly versatile structures in terms of shape, size, charge, and composition. POMs can also be combined with organic ligands in several ways, allowing for the formation of hybrid POMs (HPOMs). This structural versatility has led to POMs being explored in various fields such as catalysis, materials science, and medicine. However, there is still a need for additional strategies to obtain increasingly complex HPOMs, especially with complex organic ligands, such as biomolecules. Furthermore, the stability of HPOMs in solution has been scarcely investigated so far, despite being key to understanding the catalytic activity and pharmacokinetics of these compounds for their applications in catalysis and medicine. Therefore, the main objective of this project is to develop novel accessible methodologies for creating hybrid (bio)organic-inorganic structures based on POMs through novel post-functionalization strategies and through supramolecular self-assembly with proteins. In addition, this project aims to investigate the behavior of these hybrid structures in different media over time to determine their solubility, stability, and speciation in solution.

Date:1 Oct 2018 →  11 Sep 2023
Keywords:Polyoxometalates, Proteins, Bioinorganic Chemistry, Supramolecular Assemblies
Disciplines:Condensed matter physics and nanophysics, Analytical chemistry, Pharmaceutical analysis and quality assurance, Inorganic chemistry, Organic chemistry, Physical chemistry
Project type:PhD project