Intracellular self-assembly

Pt(II) luminescent compounds have been studied for their capabilities of forming aggregates displaying evident changes in their emission properties, resulting from the formation of Pt-Pt interactions. This aggregation-induced emission (AIE) allows for visualization of the formation and evolution of supramolecular assemblies in real‑time.[24] We have demonstrated the important role of the media in the complex self-assembly processes of these compounds; in particular, we highlighted the possibility of using media to promote the formation of hierarchical multi-component assemblies.[25] Furthermore, we achieved the spatiotemporal control of self-assembly processes by confinement of transient aggregates in stimuli-responsive nanocontainers; allowing their translocation within cells and subsequent intracellular bioorthogonal self-assembly.[26]

We aim to advance the field of inorganic self-assembly toward becoming a functional platform for studying and treating diseases. In this direction, we will design responsive Pt(II) emissive compounds as functional monomers capable of interacting with cellular processes,serving as self-assembled reporters of physiological states . The rapid development of fluorescence microscopy techniques—particularly time-resolved and single-molecule imaging—will enable us to detect subtle emission lifetime variations linked to the local aggregation environment characteristic of the aggregates of these types of compounds. Through this approach, we seek to develop fluorescent self-assembled systems capable of selective interactions with biological targets, unveiling new opportunities for imaging, sensing, and therapeutic applications.

Metallacage–material hybrids

 

Key publications:

  • Moreno‐Alcántar, G. Inorganic Self‐assembly: Going Bio. Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 2023, 26 (16). https://doi.org/10.1002/ejic.202200788.
  • Picchetti, P.; Moreno-Alcántar, G.; Talamini, L.; Mourgout, A.; Aliprandi, A.; De Cola, L. Smart Nanocages as a Tool for Controlling Supramolecular Aggregation. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2021, 143 (20), 7681–7687. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.1c00444.
  • Moreno-Alcántar, G.; Aliprandi, A.; Rouquette, R.; Pesce, L.; Wurst, K.; Perego, C.; Brüggeller, P.; Pavan, G. M.; De Cola, L. Solvent‐Driven Supramolecular Wrapping of Self‐Assembled Structures. Angew. Chemie Int. Ed. 2021, 60 (10), 5407–5413. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202013474.