Research
activity in Prof. Abraham Shanzerís Group
The
research interests of Prof. Abraham Shanzer are mainly concentrated in
biomimetic Chemistry.
Biomimetic
chemistry is a field of research, which aims at mimicking some of the properties
of complex biological systems with simple synthetic organic tools. The
target molecules in the research activities of the group are four of the
families of natural siderophores (iron carriers). Analogs of these compounds
were prepared and were found to be biologically active, some of them even
performing in a selective manner, typical of the natural molecules. The
newly prepared molecules were coupled with fluorescent markers at sites
that do not interfere with metal binding and have generated new tools for
the study of iron transport mechanisms. Using these derivatives it was
found that some of the molecules are introduced into the cells via special
receptors in the cell membrane. This property renders these compounds an
additional potential value as vehicles for inserting foreign molecules
into cells. We are planning to use these tools as prodrugs, which will
be activated, inside the cell by the action of enzymes and bind to them
pieces of DNA, antibiotic materials and other reactive species.
The
group of Prof. Shanzer is also working on a biomimetic approach for the
engendering of technological-relevant artificial molecular devices. In
these compounds, all the properties that are required for a certain task
are incorporated in a single molecule. Assembling of these systems in a
supra molecular architecture was also tried forming multi-component molecules
that are anticipated to fulfill functions, which the individual consituents
are incapable to perform. Molecular switches, activated by redox reactions,
were synthesized. Currently we are devoting efforts toward the development
of molecular switches that are activated by light. Molecular switches,
in which metal ions move between two centers, as a result of changes in
the oxidation-state, have already been prepared. Synthesis of switches
that have three centers or more are actively under development.
Prof.
Shanzerís group is also involved in the preparation of functional assemblies.
Tailor-made coordination based molecules are envisioned to provide anisotropic
supramolecular structures on solid supports. Among these structures, which
open up a multitude of opportunities in future applications, the use of
porphyrins and phthalocyanines as functional elements is the most exciting.
In monolayers of these complexes, the metalloporphyrin fragments are oriented
in a predetermined fashion, mainly perpendicular to the surface. These
assemblies are expected to perform complex functions such as light harvesting,
control of surface properties, magnetic switching and molecular sensing.
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