New Supramolecular Probes for Protein Biotechnology
Robust, selective receptors are required to enable next-generation sequencing technology for peptides and proteins. The Schneebeli lab is synthesizing advanced precision cavities, which can serve this purpose, to advance next-generation high-throughput and ultra-sensitive sequencing techniques. These structures position functional groups for selective recognition in specific positions, inspired by how proteins control the shapes and functional groups lining their cavities. We have invented new molecular cages and molecular strips, as well as chirality-assisted synthesis to engineer polymers with controlled shapes to advance this endeavor.
Representative Publications and Patents
Molecular Tetrahedron Nanocage, Its Preparation, and Uses Thereof
S. T. Schneebeli, J. Li, M. Sharafi. U.S. Provisional patent application filed on 6/2/2020. U.S. Provisional patent application serial number 63/337,764. PCT application filed on May 28, 2021.
Efficient Multigram Procedure for the Synthesis of Large Hydrazone-Linked Molecular Cages
O. Vestrheim, M. E. Schenkelberg, Q. Dai, S. T. Schneebeli Org. Chem. Front. 2023, 10, 3965-3974. Front Cover.
Enantioselective Electrophilic Aromatic Nitration — A Chiral Auxiliary Approach
J. P. Campbell, S. C. Rajappan, T. J. Jaynes, M. Sharafi, Y. Ma, J. Li, S. T. Schneebeli, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019, 58, 1035–1040. Cover Art.
Crystal Packing-driven Enrichment of Atropoisomers
M. Sharafi, J. P. Campbell, S. C. Rajappan, N. Dudkina, D. L. Gray, T. J. Woods, J. Li, S. T. Schneebeli, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2017, 56, 7097–7081.
Helical Molecular Springs with Varying Spring Constants
K. E. Murphy, K. T. McKay, M. Schenkelberg, M. Sharafi, O. Vestrheim, M. Ivancic, J. Li, S. T. Schneebeli Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2022, 61, e202209772. Cover Art.
Regulating Molecular Recognition with C-Shaped Strips Attained by Chirality-Assisted Synthesis
X. Liu, Z. J. Weinert, M. Sharafi, C. Liao, J. Li, and S. T. Schneebeli, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 12772–12776. VIP Paper & Cover Art.