Abstract: Scientists from the University of Illinois have found a way to synthesize selective 'host' materials capable of binding to specific molecules. The materials, produced using a combination of dendrimer and molecular imprinting techniques, can be used in applications including catalyst design, drug delivery, sensing, and separations. The scientists created a host dendrimer-like molecule containing an interior recognition site that binds to a specific molecule, that can differentiate between closely related analogues. They built up the dendrimer around a porphyrin template; the exterior of the dendrimer is stabilized by catalytic cross-linking, and the porphyrin template removed, leaving a host molecule that binds preferentially to the porphyrin
Author keywords: