From Design to Delivery: Polyoxometalates as Transmembrane Carriers

Activity: Talks and presentationsTalk or oral contributionScience to Science

Description

Polyoxometalates (POMs), as early-transition-metal–oxygen coordination compounds, boast unprecedented structural versatility and unique properties. This adaptability renders POMs highly suitable for diverse biological applications, presenting avenues for drug delivery and cell-biological uptake studies involving biological effector molecules. Inspired by the superchaotropic behavior, this work identifies the first molecular membrane carriers of the all-inorganic Keggin POM anion type, functional in both model membranes and living cells. These carriers outperform established molecular carriers, transporting arginine-rich and lysine-rich oligo- and polypeptides. The findings encourage further optimization of POM carriers, presenting a paradigm shift in understanding and exploiting the biological functionality of these versatile compounds.
Eight POMs, including representatives from globular Keggin and planar Anderson archetypes, were systematically tested, varying in charge status from ‒3 to ‒8. The correlation between their stability and speciation was meticulously analyzed. To counter hydrolysis issues, highly charged mixed-metal derivatives were included, showcasing stability at neutral pH. This screening process identified two compounds with both superchaotropic characteristics and remarkable stability for further transport experiments. Importantly, the stability and speciation studies are crucial in unravelling the intricate behaviour of POMs in aqueous solutions.
Period28 Jul 2024
Event title45th International Conference on Coordination Chemistry (ICCC  2024)
Event typeConference
LocationFort Collins, United States, ColoradoShow on map
Degree of RecognitionInternational