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Electron-transfer processes in dendrimers and their implication in biology, catalysis, sensing and nanotechnology

Nature Chemistry volume 4, pages 255–267 (2012)Cite this article

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Abstract

The extraordinary development of the design and synthesis of dendrimers has allowed scientists to locate redox sites at precise positions (core, focal points, branching points, termini, cavities) of these perfectly defined macromolecules, which have generation-controlled sizes and topologies matching those of biomolecules. Redox-dendrimer engineering has led to fine modelling studies of electron-transfer metalloproteins, in which the branches of the dendrimers hinder access to the active site in a manner reminiscent of that of the protein. It has also enabled the construction of remarkable catalysts, sensors and printboards, including by sophisticated design of the interface between redox dendrimers and solid-state devices — for example by functionalizing electrodes and other surfaces. Electron-transfer processes between dendrimers and a variety of other molecules hold promising applications in diverse areas that range from bio-engineering to sensing, catalysis and energy materials.

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Figure 1: Schematic representation of the general structure of dendrimers.
Figure 2: Metal-centred dendrimers modelling electron-transfer metalloproteins.
Figure 3: A bis-dendronic terpy-ruthenium complex.
Figure 4: Electron-transfer reactions of ferrocenyl redox sites attached to the focal point of Newkome dendrons.
Figure 5: Giant ferrocenyl- and pentamethylferrocenyl dendrimers as electrochrome molecular batteries.
Figure 6: Selective electrostatic effects in multi-ferrocenyl systems.
Figure 7: Dendritic molecular battery for the reduction of C60.
Figure 8: Crooks's concept of synthesis of DENs with catalytic and materials applications.
Figure 9: Biferrocenyl dendritic redox sensors for both metal cations and oxo-anions.

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Acknowledgements

I am grateful to the colleagues and students cited in references for their ideas and hard work that have greatly contributed to our research on electron-transfer processes in dendrimers and their applications, and to financial assistance from the Université Bordeaux 1, the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and the Agence Nationale pour la Recherche.

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  1. ISM, UMR CNRS No. 5255, Univ. Bordeaux, 33405, Talence Cedex, France

    Didier Astruc

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Astruc, D. Electron-transfer processes in dendrimers and their implication in biology, catalysis, sensing and nanotechnology. Nature Chem 4, 255–267 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nchem.1304

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