In nature, molecular recognition is crucial to the induced functions of living biological systems. Bioinspired molecular recognition chemistry has been intensively studied by our group. We focus on the comprehensive development of chemical sensors based on molecular recognition and supramolecular chemistry. In our laboratory, we develop electrochemical sensors and analytical systems based on self-assembled monolayers (SAM) of enzymes and macromolecules with cavities. Therefore, we have functionalized enzymes with a direct electron transfer feature with organic semiconductors or electrochemically active fragments to obtain the SAM on the conducting gold or indium tin oxide surfaces. Moreover, molecularly imprinted polymers based on conducting polymers and cyclodextrins as well as other macrocycles are employed for bioanalysis of neurotransmitters and other bioanalytes. In addition, we perform theoretical modelling of these systems.
Figure. Optimized theoretical structure of the supramolecular β-cyclodextrin 1:1 inclusion complex with melatonin via the space filling and tube with hydrogen bonds models.