Development of 'Bunja Jureonggu'.. Molecular Container for Drug Delivery

Imitating Traditional Cultural Heritage Forms
Synthesis of the Largest Molecular Cage
Potential Use as a Drug Carrier

Structure of the 'Molecular Chime' Analyzed by Synchrotron Radiation Accelerator

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Junho] Domestic researchers have developed a molecular polyhedron much larger than those reported so far. It is a molecular polyhedron approximately 5.3 nanometers (nm) in size, expected to be used as a carrier for drug delivery.

The research team led by Kim Gimuon, head of the Complex Systems Self-Assembly Research Group at the Institute for Basic Science (and professor of chemistry at POSTECH), synthesized a giant hollow octahedron-shaped molecule by utilizing the self-assembly properties of molecules. Their related research paper was published in the international academic journal Chem on the 2nd.

The molecular polyhedron developed by the research team is a giant hollow octahedron-shaped molecule. Molecules formed by the combination of several molecules like Lego blocks are called molecular polyhedra. Most molecular polyhedra developed so far are smaller than 2 nm. Considering that typical drug molecules are about 2 nm and antibodies about 5 nm in size, there were limitations in carrying drugs or antibodies inside.

Composition of a 5.3nm Molecular Polyhedron

Hollow capsule-shaped molecular synthesis

Kim’s research team has been conducting research to create larger molecular polyhedra and succeeded in constructing the largest molecular polyhedron to date. The team took inspiration from the shape of the 'Jureonggu,' a dice used by nobles during the Silla Dynasty when they gathered at Anapji to enjoy traditional games. To replicate the shape of the Jureonggu, they precisely designed the length and angles of the constituent molecules. They also synthesized a 'Molecular Jureonggu (P12L24)' composed of 12 square porphyrin molecules and 24 curved rod-shaped molecules by utilizing the self-assembly properties of molecules.

Co-first author researcher Koo Jaehyung explained, "Unlike previous synthesis methods that required complex steps such as making molds and fitting molecular pieces together, this can be simply manufactured by utilizing the molecules’ ability to self-assemble."

The research team also analyzed the exact structure of the molecular polyhedron using the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory. As a result, they confirmed at the atomic level that the molecular Jureonggu is a giant structure comparable in size to proteins and has a hollow octahedral structure.

Largest Existing Molecular Polyhedron Usable as Photocatalyst or Drug Carrier

Confirmation of Catalytic Reaction Using Light

The research team stated that this molecular polyhedron can be used as a photocatalyst. Utilizing the property of porphyrin to release electrons when exposed to light, they converted a compound into 'juglone,' a natural substance released from the roots of walnut trees. They also demonstrated its potential as a drug carrier by encapsulating a long rod-shaped conductive molecule inside the synthesized molecular Jureonggu. The conductive molecule is 4 nm in size, and there has been no previous attempt to encapsulate a molecule of this size inside.

Kim Gimuon, the group leader, said, "Nature and the world we live in provide chemists with inspiration and ideas to design new materials. Since the molecular Jureonggu has a large internal space, various applications can be expected. We plan to conduct additional research to secure the stability required for biological applications."

Meanwhile, the research team previously synthesized a polyhedron called 'Porphyrin Box (P6L8),' which is self-assembled from six square porphyrin molecules and eight triangular porphyrin molecules in June 2015. The size of the synthesized Porphyrin Box at that time was about 3 nm.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.