Keynote speakers

Cocrystals to the rescue: New molecular rotors with hydrogen bonds

The study and control of the internal motion in crystalline solids is the ultimate goal in the field of molecular rotors and motors. Recently, we have focused on the development of new molecular architectures based on hydrogen bonds trying to accelerate the internal dynamics in the solid state. In this presentation I will discuss the synthesis, characterization, inner dynamics and associated crystal transformations of these non-covalent rotors, where the rotary components are able to show ultrafast rotary motion along with some unexpected macroscopic behavior.

Hydrogen bonding networks within hybrid materials: Water selectivity, structure, and isotope effects

Hydrogen bonding is crucial for the structural organization of macromolecules and essential for biological function, chemical reactivity, and geological processes. Within many systems, it is the interactions between water molecules and neighboring hydrogen bond donors or acceptors that regulates and directs these reactions. Controlling these interactions within engineered systems could lead to advances in water purification and sustainability, but designing complex materials that can fully take advantage of intricate hydrogen bonding networks remains a difficult endeavor. In this presentation, I will discuss the nature of hydrogen bonding within a hybrid materials and explore the unique properties in these compounds. I will also highlight the properties of a metal organic nanotube (UMON) that is built upon supramolecular interactions. This material exhibit unusual water selectivity and isotopic effects that offer insights into the design of materials that can control hydrogen bonding networks and the transport of water molecules.

Cocrystallizing Scientific Collaborations and Multicomponent Molecular Materials: Challenges and Opportunities in Scientific and Supramolecular Interactions between Mexico and USA

Finding a common (scientific) interest and matching in complementary fashion skills, knowledge and resources defines the ground for a productive (scientific) collaboration both as individuals, institutions and nations. Our countries share common goals -along with the international community- to tackle major challenges like global warming, energy efficiency, public health, sustained economic development, among others; but also face many challenges derived of a global economy, government scientific policies and views, different cultures and languages. In this talk, a revision of the current existent opportunities to settle scientific collaborations and academic exchange between Mexico and USA will be presented, along with our recent experiences as a research group in developing interdisciplinary efforts to investigate the generation and properties of multicomponent molecular materials assembled through non-covalent supramolecular interactions.

Tetrandrine-based macrocyclic receptors: versatile compounds for supramolecular DNA-binding, with biological and self-assembly properties for potential pharmaceutical and biomedical applications

S, S-(+)-tetrandrine is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid that exhibits antiinflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer properties, among others. In past years, our research group has reported a series of tetrandrine derivatives, which showed to be effective as cationic receptors in water for biologically important anions. In this talk, I will present some of our recent works related to the synthesis, spectroscopic, physicochemical and structural characterization of new mono- and bis-alkylated tetrandrine derivatives. Additionally, I will describe the molecular recognition studies of the derivatives as double-stranded DNA binders, as well as their anti-proliferative effects on different cancer cell lines, among others. Finally, I will show the self-assembling of the bis-naphthylated tetrandrine dibromide into a framework based on nanospherical aggregates formed exclusively through weak non-covalent interactions, with cavities capable of including medium-sized molecules.