Yinghong Sheng

Molecular Recognition at Methyl Methacrylate/n-Butyl Acrylate (MMA/nBA) Monomer Unit Boundaries of Phospholipids at p-MMA/ nBA Copolymer Surfaces

Lipid structural features and their interactions with proteins provide a useful vehicle for further advances in membrane proteins research. To mimic one of potential lipid-protein interactions we synthesized poly(methyl methacrylate/ n-butyl acrylate) (p-MMA/nBA) colloidal particles that were stabilized by phospholipid (PLs). Upon the particle coalescence, PL stratification resulted in the formation of surface localized ionic clusters (SLICs). These entities are capable of recognizing MMA/nBA monomer interfaces along the p-MMA/nBA copolymer backbone and form crystalline SLICs at the monomer interface. By utilizing attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy and selected area electron diffraction (SAD) combined with ab initio calculations, studies were conducted that identified the origin of SLICs as well as their structural features formed on the surface of p-MMA/nBA copolymer films stabilized by 1,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DLPC) PL. Specific entities responsible for SLIC formation are selective noncovalent bonds of anionic phosphate and cationic quaternary ammonium segments of DLPC that interact with two neighboring carbonyl groups of nBA and MMA monomers of the p-MMA/nBA polymer backbone. To the best of our knowledge this is the first example of molecular recognition facilitated by coalescence of copolymer colloidal particles and the ability of PLs to form SLICs at the boundaries of the neighboring MMA and nBA monomer units of the p-MMA/nBA chain. The dominating noncovalent bonds responsible for the molecular recognition is a combination of H-bonding and electrostatic interactions.

A DFT and MP2 Study on the Molecular Structure and Vibrational Spectra of Halogenosubstituted Phosphoryl and Thiophosphoryl Compounds

The molecular geometrical parameters, rotational constants, dipole moments and vibrational infrared properties of a series of phosphoryl compounds (OPXiYjZk, X, Y, Z = F, Cl, Br; i+ j + k = 3) and their thio analogs are predicted by density functional and MP2 calculations using the 6-311G(2d,2p) basis set. Both methods yielded similar results. The predicted molecular parameters and the vibrational Raman and infrared spectra agree well with the available experimental data. The Raman Scattering Activities (RSA) and depolarization ratios (Dep) of the molecules are obtained by DFT calculations. Considering the different substitution modes of various halogen atoms, the resultant changes in the geometrical and vibrational properties are discussed. Such studies permit detailed information to be obtained concerning unknown molecules and can define the guidelines for synthesizing molecules of particular characteristics.

Microsolvation of N2H+: The nature of interactions in N2H+–(H2)n (n=1–14) complexes

Experimental studies of the consecutive growth of N2H + (H2)n clusters led to the discovery of an unusual bonding pattern for species with n = 2-4. Theoretical studies revealed that the ligands are located within five well-separated solvation shells that are visible in structures, values of successive enthalpies and entropies of clustering reactions, vibrational motions, the distribution of atomic charges, and interaction energy decomposition components. The pattern of consecutive enthalpy changes for the second shell (n = 2-5) is complicated. This pattern shows anomalous behavior, although its interpretation is not univocal. A large part of consecutive enthalpies for the clustering reactions is a contribution due to the rotational and vibrational properties of clusters which are difficult for adequate modeling in large systems. The structures of clusters are rationalized based on interaction energy contributions of a different nature. Geometries of complexes are determined by prevailing covalent forces.

Structures and energetics of extended proton-bound N2H + ¿Hen (n=1¿17) complexes

The series of proton-bound N2H+He n (n=1–17) complexes was studied by ab initio methods for the first time. The structures of cations are based on the consecutive filling of five ligand shells. The capacity of the shells located on planes perpendicular to the N2H+ axes amounts to five. Shells are well separated in space, and the pattern of changes of the ligand properties in different shells is also visible in the energetics and other characteristics. The consecutive attachment of helium atoms to the N2H+He cation shortens the N–H+ bond and increases its strength. This effect, visible also as an unusual variation of the νN–H+ stretching and atomic charge on the proton, is a characteristic feature of the proton-bound complexes with noble atoms.