Artificial Molecular Switches and Machines
Light-driven molecular switches and machines are increasingly applied to control dynamic functions through incorporation into synthetic materials and pharmaceuticals. However, currently available systems have limitations in terms of excitation wavelength needed (UV light), photostability, and photoconversion efficiency. We are therefore optimizing known — and exploring new — molecular switching motifs. In addition, we are interested in modulating light-induced switching processes by orthogonal chemical stimuli to increase control levels and create artificial photocycles, enabling unidirectional substrate displacement.
Selected key publications:
J. de. Jong et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2026, 148, 14189-14196 🔗
I.M. Bekaert et al., Org. Lett. 2025, 27, 3612-3616 🔗
N. Duindam et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, 145, 21020-21026 🔗
Stimulus-Controlled Anion Binding and Transport
The transport of anions across the cell membrane, which is mediated by transport proteins, is of fundamental importance to many biological processes. Dysregulation of such transport has been associated with various diseases, for example, cystic fibrosis. In this research theme we employ artificial molecular switches and machines to create anion binding and transport systems which respond to external stimuli such as light and pH change. Our main interest is to use these to influence the biological processes that are associated with transmembrane anion transport, providing a new approach to disease treatment.
Selected key publications:
A. Mondal, et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2026, 65, e4755839 🔗
N. Duindam et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2025, 64, e15930 🔗
J.E. Bos et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2024, 146, 31085-31093 🔗
S.J. Wezenberg et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 331-338 🔗
D. Villarón, et al., Chem. Sci. 2021, 12, 3188-3193 🔗
Dynamic Polymer and Supramolecular Materials
Polymeric and supramolecular structures that adapt to constantly changing environmental stimuli will be at the basis of a new generation of synthetic materials. We incorporate artificial molecular switches and receptors into soft and solid materials (e.g., gels, colloids, crystals) to achieve stimuli-responsive dynamic functions. These materials can eventually be applied in molecular separation, energy storage, organic electronics, soft robotics, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine, among others.
Selected key publications:
L. Xu et al., Chem. Mater. 2026, 38, 8960-8967 🔗
S. Mommer et al., ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2022, 14, 43711-43718 🔗
W. Danowski et al., Nat. Nanotechnol. 2019, 14, 488-494 🔗