Supramolecular Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Molecular Probes and Biosensors

This research theme focuses on designing advanced probes for medical imaging and molecular biology applications.Our key research areas include: Fluorogenic and magnetogenic probes for imaging and diagnostic applications, MRI contrast agents based on supramolecular xenon–cryptophane complexes and Photogenerated extended heteroaromatic structures with exceptional DNA/RNA binding properties, including high-affinity G-quadruplex probes. Our goal is to develop cutting-edge tools for molecular detection and medical imaging, with potential applications in targeted therapies.

People involved: T. BROTIN, N. De RYCKE, L. GUY, J. HASSERODT

MRI probes Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 62, e202212782		Enzyme activity-based probes Anal. Sens. 2025, 00, e202500160	Fluorescent G-quadruplex ligands Nanoscale 2021, 13, 13795

Chemistry in Confined Space

This research theme builds on well-established expertise in organic synthesis, self-assembling, and molecular recognition. Its main focus is the recognition of a broad range of substrates in solution (including gases, metal ions, and metabolites) as well as supramolecular catalysis using host molecules such as cryptophanes, hemicryptophanes, and dynarenes. The role of molecular chirality is central to improving our detailed understanding of molecular recognition phenomena and stereochemical information transfer during self-assembly processes. In this context, the synthesis and investigation of the chiroptical properties of enantiopure chiral architectures constitute a major research activity. 

People involved: T. BROTIN, N. De RYCKE, J.-P. DUTASTA, J. LECLAIRE, F. PERRET, L. VIAL

Thallium complexation J. Org. Chem. 2024, 89 , 4560		Russian dolls J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2019, 141, 8339	CO2 capture J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2024, 146, 13580

Responsive molecules and supramolecular materials

The research theme « Responsive molecules and  supramolecular materials » focuses on leveraging the principles of supramolecular chemistry in the fields of nanoscience and materials science. In particular, it aims at developing (supra)molecular architectures and “smart” materials whose properties can be controlled and modulated in response to external stimuli, primarily electrical or optical in nature. These studies range from the design of original concepts in molecular switching (molecular switches or machines), to stimuli-responsive supramolecular polymers and gels, and extend to the fabrication of thin films and functional surface for chiroptical, electronic and thermoelectric applications.

People involved: C. BUCHER, F. CHEVALLIER, D. FRATH, L. GUY, F. PERRET

Molecular switches Chem. Sci. 2025, 16, 9320		Electrically responsive gels Chem. Eur. J. 2025, 31, e02489	Luminescent coordination polymers  Chem. Commun. 2025, 61, 977	Chiral dyes ACS Omega 2026, 11, 21816

Dynamique Combinatorial Chemistry

We are developing unique expertise in the design, analysis and optimisation of complex molecular and supramolecular systems derived from CO₂ capture using liquid absorbents. This work focuses on the development of advanced methods and tools for describing and understanding interconnected chemical and physical equilibrium networks. The targeted applications include: the recovery of CO₂ integrated into capture processes; the recognition, transport and separation of target molecules from complex deposits; the customised production of eco-materials, including inorganic materials derived from accelerated mineral carbonation and self-repairing organic materials; the eco- and biosourcing of the molecular agents required for these systems and architectures.

People involved: J. LECLAIRE, L. VIAL

Adhesive gels WO2025168726A1		Cooperative CO2 capture Nat. Chem. 2024, 16, 1160	CO2 capture and metal purification Nat. Chem. 2020, 12, 202

Agence nationale de la recherche  

• ElectroMagnet  (ANR PRME, 2025-2029, F. Chevallier) - Towards electroresponsive molecular and supramolecular magnetic machines
• AtropoPhotoCat (ANR PRC, 2024-2028, J.P. Dutasta & N. De Rycke) - Atroposelective synthesis of heterobiaryls using supramolecular photoredox organocatalysts
• Carmin (ANR PRC, 2024-2027, J. Leclaire) - Catalyzed carbon mineralization integrated to capture
• FuN₂ (ANR PRC, 2024-2027, C. Bucher) - N2 Functionalization using a family of (XCX)M complexes
• ChiroSwitch (ANR JCJC, 2023-2026, D. Frath) - Metamorphic approaches for on-surface switching of chiroptical properties
• MOTIC (ANR PRC, 2023-2026, F. Perret) - Metal organic thiolate coordination polymers as innovative thermoelectric materials
• STARGATE (ANR PRC, 2023-2026, C. Bucher) - Synthesis of electron-deficient conjugated nanorings by host-guest templates

• ANGEL (ANR PRC, 2022-2025, C. Bucher) - Radically responsive metal-organic supramolecular gels
• EnaReCAnions (ANR JCJ, 2022-2025, N. De Rycke) - New Enantiopure Receptors Family for Selective Recognition of Chiral Anions in Aqueous media: Strong ECD Response Expected
• CAORSS (ANR PRC, 2021-2025, T. Brotin) - Comprehension of solvent structure with Raman Optical Activity

Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes  

• C-SAM (Ambition Internationale, 2024-2026, D. Frath) - On-surface chiroptical properties in SAM for photonics and optoelectronics
• DRIBA (AAP Booster, 2023-2025, J. Hasserodt) - Development of a bovine mastitis test product

BPI France   

• PYTHIA (AAP i-démo, 2023-2028, J. Hasserodt) - Development of a product in the in-vitro diagnosis of antibiotic resistance

Pulsalys   

• IDEA (pré-maturation, 2024-2025, J. Leclaire & L. Vial) - Biocompatible adhesive foams

CNRS Innovation  

• Fenhance (AAP pré-maturation, 2023-2026, J. Hasserodt) - Pre-maturation of contrast agent technology for MRI

Europe   

• NextNano4Cancer (ERA4Healph, 2025-2028, F. Perret & L. Vial) - Next generation of nanocontainers for cancer treatment

Région hauts-de-france    

• SEPAR8 (FTJ, 2024-2028, J. Leclaire) - Innovative process for recycling end-of-life Li-ion batteries

Articles produced by the laboratory are available on the HAL archive website