In processive catalysis, a catalyst binds to a substrate and remains bound while performing several consecutive reactions, as exemplified by DNA polymerases. Processivity is essential in Nature, and is often mediated by a clamp-like structure that physically tethers the catalyst to its (polymeric) template. In the case of the bacteriophage T4 replisome, a dedicated clamp protein acts as a proce...

Mechanically interlocked molecules such as rotaxanes and catenanes have potential as components of molecular machinery. Rotaxanes consist of a dumb-bell-shaped molecule encircled by a macrocycle that can move unhindered along the axle, trapped by bulky stoppers. Previously, rotaxanes have been made from a variety of molecules, but not from DNA. Here, we report the design, assembly and character...

Front Cover: In article number 2100383, Ana-Maria Resmerita and co-workers show that incorporation of 5 wt% polystyrene/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrins (HPβCD) semi-rotaxane into a polyethylene glycol/HPβCD crosslinked matrix leads to hydrophobic porous film with enhanced swelling ability thermal dielectric properties as compared those the pure material.

A squaraine rotaxane scaffold with four alkyne groups is readily converted into a range of dendritic architectures using high-yielding copper-catalyzed alkyne azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) chemistry. A convergent synthesis approach is more efficient than a divergent pathway. Dendritic squaraine rotaxanes with peripheral amine groups can be further functionalized to produce multivalent deep-red fl...

The Na+ ion-assisted recognition of urea derivatives by BPX26C6 has allowed the construction of a redox-controllable [2]rotaxane-type molecular switch based on two originally very weakly interacting host/guest systems. Using NOBF4 to oxidize the triarylamine terminus into a corresponding radical cation attracted the macrocyclic component toward its adjacent carbamate station; subsequent additio...