Nanomechanics of Anion−π Interaction in Aqueous Solution

• DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b11552
• Publication Date: 2020-01-10T06:30:20Z
• Authors: Jiawen Zhang; Li Xiang; Bin Yan; Hongbo Zeng
• Keywords: Nanomechanics; Non-covalent interactions; Static electricity

Noncovalent interactions play a constitutive role in numerous biological processes, including biomolecular adhesion, recognition, and transport. Unlike π–π cation−π interactions, anion−π interaction was only recently computationally recognized to participate science. Here, we present the first experimental identification direct quantification of nanomechanics aqueous solution by using surface forces apparatus with complementary computational simulations. Anionic phosphate ester π-conjugated catecholic moieties that abound marine bioadhesives were used as model system. Robust adhesion observed attributed interaction, which found be enabled cooperative due coexistence cation. The strength follows trend > HPO42– SO42– NO3–, affected charge density, polarity, hydration effect.