Current methods of drug discovery and development typically involve either structure-based drug design approaches or high-throughput screening methods for lead identification. The structure-based discovery process relies heavily upon the labor-intensive determination of three-dimensional protein structures using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and NMR techniques. Although tens of thousands of soluble protein structures have been resolved at the atomic level using these methods, there are many drug targets, particularly integral membrane proteins, whose structures have not been elucidated. In the case of XRD, this limitation often arises from the lack of reliable and predictable methods for protein crystallization. The extensive number of proteins crystallized by the interfacial templating approach suggests that this method may offer great promise for structural biology applications, particularly for proteins that do not readily form X-ray quality crystals from bulk solution. This review highlights the various approaches that have been used for templating of protein crystallization at gas–liquid and solid–liquid interfaces. Special emphasis is placed on the synthesis of NTA- and IDA-conjugated lipids, their use in templating and concentrating proteins at lipid monolayer interfaces, and protein structure elucidations that have been facilitated by these metal-chelating lipids. Current approaches to control the nucleation and growth of protein crystals involving microfluidics, dip pen nanolithography, and non-covalent symmetry-based templating approaches are also discussed. Taken together, the progress in this field suggests that the interfacial templating approach to crystallization can develop into a powerful tool for high-throughput structural analysis by providing a universal, readily controllable method for crystallizing proteins.

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Hexagonally arranged nanocylindrical arrays of polymer-complexed multivalent metallic ions were fabricated by performing template process with amphiphilic diblock copolymer consisting of poly(ethylene oxide) and liquid crystalline poly(methacrylate) with azobenzene mesogen (PEO-b-PMA(Az)). The block copolymer exhibits PEO hexagonal cylindrical microdomains perpendicular to the substrate. Lead ions were selectively diffused into the PEO microdomains to generate the lead-doped nanocylinder array, of which size, shape, and alignment can be controlled by the block copolymer thin film as a template.

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Water intrusion–extrusion isotherms were performed at room temperature on hydrophobic pure silica chabazite (Si-CHA). A reversible phenomenon is observed over several cycles showing that the water–Si-CHA system displays a real spring behavior. The process occurs at a quite low pressure, and the large intruded water volume makes this system interesting for applications in energetics.

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An efficient synthetic route to cyclic polymers has been demonstrated through atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and subsequent ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reaction. Thus, telechelic poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) having allyl groups was synthesized by ATRP of methyl acrylate with a difunctional initiator and the subsequent end-capping reaction with allyltributyltin. The following RCM reaction proceeded even under dilution in the presence of the Grubbs catalyst to give a cyclic PMA in a high yield.

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Two-coordinate, sp-hybridized aluminum and gallium cationic species (2a and 2b) were synthesized by the methyl group abstraction from the t-Bu₂MeSi group by Et₃Si⁺ followed by 1,2-silyl group migration from group 13 element to the cationic silicon center. X-ray crystal structure analyses confirmed these species to be free cations stabilized by hyperconjugation with a neighboring Si–Si σ bond.

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Plastic Shottky barriers were fabricated using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and aluminum as the p-type semiconductor and the metal, respectively, by a facile line-patterning technology in which multiple-line-patterning was utilized for the designed patterns. Based on the measurements of current–voltage and capacitance–voltage characteristics, various electrical parameters of the Shottky barriers were extracted. As a result, the barrier height, work function of the PEDOT:PSS and rectification ratio were 0.78, 4.8 eV and 1.6×10², respectively.

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Phage libraries displaying random and linear heptapeptides were applied to crystalline cellulose. Binding affinities of obtained phage clones were quantitatively analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Clones were obtained with greater apparent affinity constants (K_apps) than those of the library, suggesting the isolation of cellulose-binding peptides with characteristic sequences.

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Ultraviolet irradiation of Cp^∗(CO)₂FeGeMe₂SPh in the presence of acetone afforded trans-[Cp^∗Fe(CO){μ-κ²Ge,S-GeMe₂SPh}]₂, while the introduction of a bulkier substituent on the sulfur atom allowed selective formation of the three-membered metallacycle Cp^∗(CO)Fe{κ²Ge,S-GeMe₂SMes} (Mes = 2,4,6-C₆H₂Me₃).

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A new O-benzylation reagent, benzyl N-phenyl-2,2,2-trifluoroacetimidate, has been developed. It even reacts with sterically hindered alcohols and base-sensitive hydroxy esters to afford the corresponding benzyl ethers catalyzed by TMSOTf in 1,4-dioxane. This reagent was more stable than benzyl 2,2,2-trichloroacetimidate, a known benzylation reagent.

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Cu–Pd supported on active carbon (AC), in which Cu/Pd ratio is strictly controlled, is an excellent catalyst for selective hydrogenation of NO₃⁻ to harmless products in the presence of H₂ at low partial pressure. 3.6 wt % Cu; 2.0 wt % Pd/AC, coupled with another Pd/AC catalyst, showed high selectivity to N₂ (98% at 298 K), while suppressing NH₃ production (2% selectivity, 0.5 from 100 ppm of NO₃⁻). Modification of the Cu–Pd/AC catalyst with PTFE results in further enhancement; the activity more than tripled, while suppression of NH₃ production was retained.

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A simple, efficient, and rapid protocol for N-chlorination of various protected amino esters, amides, and peptides has been described. N,N′-dichlorobis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)urea has been used as a chlorinating agent and transformation takes place rapidly in mild conditions with quantitative yields.

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RhCl₃/amine was found to be an efficient catalyst for the cyclotrimerization of alkynes. The [2+2+2] cyclotrimerization of internal alkynes proceeded smoothly to afford hexa-substituted benzenes regioselectively in moderate to high yields.

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The J values of the Heisenberg model and t and U_eff values in the Hubbard model have been evaluated by the Kohn–Sham density functional theory (KS-DFT) for dimeric pairs of diethyl-spirobiphenalenyl. The Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) simulation has been carried out with the calculated J values to evaluate the magnetic susceptibility for this molecular crystal, reproducing the experimental tendency. The band gaps estimated by using t and U_eff values are also consistent with the experiment on conductivity.

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Tubular ZnO nanostructures were synthesized by a new and one-step method which involved the introduction of ammonia bubbles into a zinc chloride aqueous solution, and the formation mechanism was briefly discussed in this paper.

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Heterogeneous catalysts assembled by the intercalation of a bis(imino)pyridine ligand into late metal ion-exchanged clay mineral interlayers with the simultaneous coordination of the ligand to the interlayer cations were found to be highly active for ethylene polymerization.

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Two-probe resistance measurements on the micro-crystalline samples using finely patterned interdigitated electrodes revealed single-component molecular conductors, [Au(tmdt)₂] and [Ni(dmdt)₂], to be metallic down to liquid helium temperature.

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UV–vis light converts Ag(DM)₂ (DM = 2,5-dimethyl-N,N′-dicyanoquionediimine; DMe-DCNQI) to several solids with metallic, semiconducting, or insulating conductivities depending on the irradiation conditions. Ag valence state in each photochemical product was determined by Ag L₃-edge XANES. The XANES result requires the correction of the redox mechanism to explain the photoinduced conductivity change of Ag(DM)₂ photoproducts.

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We have isolated the coloring species of a leuco dye colored by three phenolic color developers and have revealed their molecular structures by X-ray crystallographic analysis for the first time: one leuco dye molecule combined with one developer molecule by the hydrogen bonds between the carboxylate anion of a leuco dye and the OH groups of a color developer.

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The reaction of dimethyl squarate with aminodeoxy sugars, aminodeoxy alditols, amino aldonic acids, and glycosyl amines under neutral conditions furnished the squaric amide esters, which were converted in more alkaline media (pH ≈8) into the asymmetric squaric diamides. The unprotected squaric acid amide esters are suitable for constructing a specific anchor (spacer, linker) function that favorably influences the water-solubility of the resulting drugs and glycoconjugates.

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Novel fluorescent 3,6-diaryl-4-phenyl-2-pyridone derivatives were synthesized and their fluorescent properties were investigated. These compounds emit intense brilliant blue fluorescence only in the solid state, not in solution. An electron-donating substituent on the 6-phenyl group caused a red-shift in fluorescence maxima.

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Novel cyclophanes having the pyrene moiety have been synthesized. The fluorescence and phosphorescence properties have been examined in terms of their structure. It has been found out that their charge-transfer complexes reflect the transannular π–π interaction based on the structure.

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In this work, we report vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra in chiral domains induced by circularly polarized light (CPL) irradiation to the achiral bent-core liquid-crystalline B4 phase.

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The effects of electrification processes on ice nucleation on an octadecanethiol (ODT) coating were investigated under two different conditions. Electrification provides the driving force of the movement to the three-phase contact line. This change promotes ice nucleation on the supercooled water droplet. In contrast, electrification before cooling inhibits freezing, probably because of the limitation of orientational freedom by the interaction between the surface charge and the dipole moment of water molecules.

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The chiral and racemic 2-D antiferromagnets based on a cyano-bridged W^V–Cu^II compound are constructed. Both compounds are similar crystal structure, but some differences in magnetic properties appear owing to the existence of the Dzyaloshinsky–Moriya (DM) interactions, that is generated by crystal chirality.

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Two cationic triarylboranes based on phosphonioborin frameworks have been investigated. Electron-withdrawing phosphonio groups enhanced the Lewis acidity of these boranes which capture fluoride ion in aqueous media and transport it into organic phase.

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The use of chromate baths is being progressively restricted owing to the high toxicity of the hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺) compounds. In this work, chemical conversion coating on AZ31 (3% Al, 1% Zn) magnesium alloy was performed by immersion in 5 mM Ce(NO₃)₃ solution with and without addition of Al(NO₃)₃ and Ca(OH)₂. It was noted that addition of Al(NO₃)₃ and Ca(OH)₂ to the cerium-based solution enhanced the surface properties and the corrosion resistance from anodic polarization in a 0.017 mol/L NaCl and 0.1 mol/L Na₂SO₄ solution at 298 K.

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Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were soluble in aqueous media by using host–guest complex between sodium adamantanecarboxylate (AdCNa) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), while SWNTs were insoluble with AdCNa or β-CD.

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An investigation into the electrochemical reduction of TiO₂ to Ti in molten LiCl–Li₂O has been performed. Analysis of the time-dependent changes of a phase composition shows that the reduction proceeds through lithium-containing intermediates consisting of LiTi₂O₄ and LiTiO₂. The reduction of TiO₂ in molten LiCl–Li₂O allows a much lower reaction temperature compared to the conventional reduction process in molten CaCl₂.

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A neutral monocyclopentadienyl titanium monobenzyl complex 3a bearing an aminopyrrole ligand can be activated by treating with Al(ⁱBu)₃ and [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] to became a catalyst for olefin polymerization via the methine proton abstraction of Al(ⁱBu)₃ by [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄].

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Thermal-swing extraction of Cd^II with a thermosensitive gel, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (NIPA) crosslinked with an encapsulating ligand, N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(4-propenyloxy-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPPEN), was examined. Cd^II was extracted in the gel swollen at 5 °C and released from the gel shrunken at 40 °C. The difference in the distribution ratios of Cd^II between these temperatures was more than 30 times.

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Adsorption energy of ammonia (E_ads) on the Brønsted acid center of several zeolites was calculated by an embedded 8T cluster calculation based on the density functional theory. The E_ads’s were in good agreement with the ΔU obtained by an ammonia IRMS–TPD method.

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Oligo(quinoline-2,3-diyl)s having a terminal bromo group were synthesized by the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of 5,8-disubstituted 2-bromoquinolin-3-ylboronic acid derivatives, and their helical structures were elucidated by a single-crystal X-ray analysis of the hexamer, UV measurements, and induction of a non-racemic helical sense by introduction of a chiral end group.

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We first report the fabrication of submillimeter-sized Au plates (up to about 1 mm in size) through the simple thermal decomposition of HAuCl₄ in two-component ionic liquids of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (C4ImPF6) and 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (C8ImPF6), which were about ten times larger sizes than those from the single-component ionic liquid of the either.

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Autonomous motions of an oil/water interface can be controlled by hydrophobicity of an anion and its chemical reaction with a cationic surfactant. Hydrophobic anions generate a rhythmical motion of the contact line, and hydrophilic anions induce the Marangoni instability. A cooperative effect of them causes an outstanding motion of the interface.

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A redox system for fluoroalkylation with perfluoroalkyl iodide using TiO₂ as a photocatalyst was developed. Photoirradiation of perfluoroalkyl iodide and α-methylstyrene in CH₃CN in the presence of TiO₂ and NaBF₄ gave α-fluoroalkylstyrene.

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A new synthetic route to fumarates bearing tolane-based mesogens was developed without using acidic conditions. Effect of the tolane end group as well as alkyl chain spacer length on the liquid-crystal phases and the temperature range was comprehensively investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical microscopy (POM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis.

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A cheap spin-coated Si/TiO_x/Pt/TiO_x electrode is fabricated and proved to possess an excellent catalysis for ozone electrogeneration. A high current efficiency of 2.5% was obtained at 33 mA cm⁻² in 10 mM HClO₄ at room temperature.

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Spectroscopic and morphologic characteristics of an racemic chromene cationic amphiphile 1⁺ having a chiral camphor sulfonate counter anion ((+) or (−) CS^∗−) were studied in aggregates in aqueous ethanol solutions. The media-dependent photochromism of 1⁺/CS^∗− and the enantio-preferential selective ring-closing process after UV irradiation were observed owing to the propagation of the chirality from the counter anion CS^∗−.

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Pillared carbons containing silica between their carbon layers were first prepared by the pyrolysis of graphite oxide silylated by 3-aminopropyldiethoxymethylsilane between 450 and 550 °C under vacuum. They possessed both microporosities and mesoporosities existing between their carbon layers.

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Addition of methyl groups to dialkyl fumarates bearing two cyanobiphenyl mesogens dramatically changed the phase-transition behavior and polymerization capability. No mesophase appeared and radical polymerization did not proceed in the absence of the branched methyl groups, whereas well-defined liquid-crystal phases were observed in the ambient temperature range and high molecular weight polymers were obtained in the presence of the branched methyl groups. An increase in the number of the attached methyl groups decreases the liquid crystalline temperature width as well as the molecular weight of the resulting polymers.

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Calix[5]arene-based artificial receptor 1 capped with chiral macrocycle 4 was synthesized and showed strong binding toward ethyltrimethylammonium salts via cation/π and hydrogen-bonding interactions. The calix[5]arene cavity provided the dissymmetric guest-binding environment in which chiral guests 6–14 were encapsulated in an enantioselective fashion.

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Indoles undergo smooth conjugate addition with α,β-unsaturated ketones in the presence of 10 mol % Selectfluor^TM under extremely mild conditions to afford the corresponding Michael adducts in high to quantitative yields with 1,4-selectivity.

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A chemoselective synthesis of butenolides was found based on TBAF-mediated deprotection, cyclization, dehydration, and oxidation of 3-hydroxy-4-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)pentanoates, which yielded either 4-methylbutenolides or 4-hydroxy-4-methylbutenolides in moderate to good yields. The selectivity depends on the quantity of TBAF. This method was applied to the synthesis of several 4-butenolide compounds.

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Benzimidazole derivatives were synthesized in good yield from 1,2-phenylenediamine (PD) and various alcohols by photocatalytic cyclization with TiO₂/acidic clay composite catalyst using UV–A and solar light. Doping silver on TiO₂ enhances product yield and selectivity of the photocatalytic synthesis of benzimidazoles. The higher efficiency of nano-Ag-doped TiO₂ in solar light makes this synthesis a green chemical process.

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A new process for preparation of magnetic microspheres was investigated. In this process, the formation and the encapsulation of magnetic nanoparticles were accomplished in one step. The magnetic polymer microspheres exhibited superparamagnetic property and had a spherical shape with a smooth surface. This method can be used to prepare inorganic and organic composite particle when the inorganic particles can be prepared by chemical coprecipitation reaction.

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Assembled complexes, Fe(NCX)₂(bpp)₂ (X = S, Se, BH₃; bpp = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane), have been synthesized. Fe(NCS)₂(bpp)₂ had a novel 2D interpenetrated structure and showed a temperature-independent HS state, while Fe(NCSe)₂(bpp)₂ and Fe(NCBH₃)₂(bpp)₂ exhibited a slight decrease in χ_MT and a complete spin-crossover phenomenon (T_1⁄2=123 K), respectively.

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Treatment of [2-(1-propynyl)phenyl]methanol with 1-alkenyl Grignard reagents under nickel catalysis results in carbomagnesiation across the alkynyl part. The 1-alkenylation reaction proceeds in a syn fashion to yield the corresponding 1,3-butadienyl-substituted benzyl alcohol.

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Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with mesoporous silica involving single-site titanium oxide moiety have been first developed by adopting a two-step coating method. The catalytic performance and magnetically separable ability were demonstrated in the oxidation of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol using hydrogen peroxide.

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We designed D,L-alternating cyclic octa-α-peptides having two D-lysines and two D-glutamates as electrostatically interacting units in order to regulate the orientation of the peptide units upon stacking in an antiparallel manner. Spectroscopic analyses of the fluorescence probe on the peptide indicated the successful control of the orientation.

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Novel carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with multicreviced tube walls were fabricated by pyrolyzing acetone with single-crystalline nickel nanoflakes as promoter. Thus-prepared CNTs exhibited high specific capacitance and excellent cyclic stability without any activation treatments, which was ascribed to their special structures.

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