Designing Phosphate Sensors Based on Supramolecular Self-Assembly Strategy

Abstract

This research investigates the development of new molecules that can recognise and bind phosphate- and pyrophosphate-containing compounds, which play important roles in many biological processes. The goal is to create systems that can detect these compounds in water through visible colour changes or fluorescent signals. To achieve this, specially designed molecules were synthesised and engineered to self-assemble into larger structures, similar to how soap molecules naturally form microscopic droplets in water. This self-assembly is expected to improve their ability to recognise and capture target molecules.

A range of experimental techniques was used to study how these structures form and how effectively they bind phosphate-containing compounds. Several families of molecules were successfully prepared and evaluated for their sensing performance. The broader aim of this research is to develop new materials that could be used in areas such as medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical research, environmental monitoring, and more sustainable chemical manufacturing. By combining molecular design with self-assembly, this work contributes to the development of smart materials capable of detecting biologically important substances in complex environments.