Role of the Ligand Structure Around Nanomaterials for Chemical Reactions

Ligands at the surface of nanomaterials can influence chemical reactions, as will be discussed for 3 different examples. 1) In case ion-responsive ligands are attached to nanomaterial surfaces, the binding properties and such working point can shift. As example, when pH-responsive fluorophores are attached with negatively charged ligands to a surface, then there is a local attraction of H⁺, i.e. the pH at the surface is lower than in bulk. 2) Ligands may restrict the available space for reactions. 3) Ligands may change the adsorption properties of molecules to surfaces. One interesting example here is the formation of a protein corona. With different coating different proteins can be "fished" from the environment.<br/><br/>References:<br/>[1] F. Schulz, J. Hühn, M. Werner, D. Hühn, J. Kvelstad, U. Koert, N. Wutke, M. Klapper, M. Fröba, V. Baulin, W. J. Parak, "Local environments created by the ligand coating of nanoparticles and their implications for sensing and surface reactions", Accounts of Chemical Research, in revision.