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Diverse chiral structures observed in nature find applications across various domains, including engineering, chemistry, and medicine. Particularly notable is the optical activity inherent in chiral structures, which has emerged prominently in the field of optics. This phenomenon has led to a wide range of applications, encompassing optical components, catalysts, sensors, and therapeutic interventions. This review summarizes the imitations and applications of naturally occurring chiral structures. Methods for replicating chiral architectures found in nature have evolved with specific research goals. This review primarily focuses on a top-down approach and provides a summary of recent research advancements. In the latter part of this review, we will engage in discussions regarding the diverse array of applications resulting from imitating chiral structures, from the optical activity in photonic crystals to applications spanning light-emitting devices. Furthermore, we will delve into the applications of biorecognition and therapeutic methodologies, comprehensively examining and deliberating upon the multifaceted utility of chiral structures.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics8070527 | DOI Listing |
J Am Chem Soc
September 2025
Clemens-Schöpf-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Str. 16, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
Helical structures are ubiquitous in nature and exhibit fascinating properties. They are inherently chiral, and many rely on hydrogen bonds to stabilize their conformation. Homopolypeptides of the glutamate type form α-helical secondary structures and are considered rigid-rod polymers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAngew Chem Int Ed Engl
September 2025
CFisUC, Department of Physics, University of Coimbra, 3004-516, Coimbra, Portugal.
With the goal of manipulating (bio)chemical processes, photoswitches emerge as important assets in molecular nanotechnology. To guide synthetic strategies toward increasingly more efficient systems, conformational dynamics studies performed with atomic rigor are in demand, particularly if this information can be extracted with control over the size of a perturbing solvation layer. Here, we use jet-cooled rotational spectroscopy and quantum chemistry calculations to unravel the structure and micro-hydration dynamics of a prototype photoswitch.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAdv Mater
September 2025
Soft Matter Optics Group, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, Wroclaw, 50-370, Poland.
Nematic Liquid Crystals (LCs), noted for their simple molecular alignment and broad use in optoelectronics, remain unmodified for over a century. However, in 2017, a unique polar phase, the ferroelectric nematic (N), is confirmed. Subsequently, in 2024, the revolutionary spontaneous mirror symmetry breaking of ferroelectric twist-bend nematic chiral structures (N phase) is demonstrated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCarbohydr Polym
November 2025
Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China; The National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Biomanufacturing of Chiral Chemicals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China; Huadong Indust
Heparin, a clinically essential anticoagulant, has long been derived from animal sources, posing risks of contamination and supply chain instability. Bioengineered heparin, synthesized via microbial fermentation and enzymatic modification, offers a promising alternative with enhanced safety, homogeneity, and scalability. This review highlights recent advances in heparosan biosynthesis, enzymatic sulfation strategies, and analytical characterization for bioengineered heparin.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCarbohydr Polym
November 2025
Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada.
Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) offers a sustainable solution to global energy challenges by dissipating heat without energy input. However, conventional PDRC materials face trade-offs between biodegradability, color integration, optical transparency, and mechanical robustness. Herein, a biomimetic, structurally colored PDRC film fabricated via evaporation-induced self-assembly of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), betaine, and polyvinyl alcohol was developed.
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