In order to meet the ever-increasing demands for enantiopure compounds, heteroge- ous, homogeneous and enzymatic catalysis evolved independently in the past. Although all three approaches have yielded industrially viable processes, the latter two are the most widely used and can be regarded as complementary in many respects. Despite the progress in structural, computational and mechanistic studies, however, to date there is no universal recipe for the optimization of catalytic processes. Thus, a trial-and-error approach remains predominant in catalyst discovery and optimization. With the aim of complementing the well-established fields of homogeneous and enzymatic catalysis, organocatalysis and artificial metalloenzymes have enjoyed a recent revival. Artificial metalloenzymes, which are the focus of this book, result from comb- ing an active but unselective organometallic moiety with a macromolecular host. Kaiser and Whitesides suggested the possibility of creating artificial metallo- zymes as long ago as the late 1970s. However, there was a widespread belief that proteins and organometallic catalysts were incompatible with each other. This severely hampered research in this area at the interface between homogeneous and enzymatic catalysis. Since 2000, however, there has been a growing interest in the field of artificial metalloenzymes for enantioselective catalysis. The current state of the art and the potential for future development are p- sented in five well-balanced chapters. G. Roelfes, B. Feringa et al. summarize research relying on DNA as a macromolecular host for enantioselective catalysis.

This book provides an overview of bioinspired metal-sulfur catalysis by covering structures, activities and model complexes of enzymes exhibiting metal sulphur moieties in their active center.

Can we emulate nature's technology in chemistry? Through billions of years of evolution, Nature has generated some remarkable systems and substances that have made life on earth what it is today. Increasingly, scientists are seeking to mimic Nature's systems and processes in the lab in order to harness the power of Nature for the benefit of society. Bioinspiration and Biomimicry in Chemistry explores the chemistry of Nature and how we can replicate what Nature does in abiological settings. Specifically, the book focuses on wholly artificial, man-made systems that employ or are inspired by principles of Nature, but which do not use materials of biological origin. Beginning with a general overview of the concept of bioinspiration and biomimicry in chemistry, the book tackles such topics as: Bioinspired molecular machines Bioinspired catalysis Biomimetic amphiphiles and vesicles Biomimetic principles in macromolecular science Biomimetic cavities and bioinspired receptors Biomimicry in organic synthesis Written by a team of leading international experts, the contributed chapters collectively lay the groundwork for a new generation of environmentally friendly and sustainable materials, pharmaceuticals, and technologies. Readers will discover the latest advances in our ability to replicate natural systems and materials as well as the many impediments that remain, proving how much we still need to learn about how Nature works. Bioinspiration and Biomimicry in Chemistry is recommended for students and researchers in all realms of chemistry. Addressing how scientists are working to reverse engineer Nature in all areas of chemical research, the book is designed to stimulate new discussion and research in this exciting and promising field.

The construction of catalysts by supramolecular forces has recently become a powerful tool and the role of noncovalent interactions can assist in designing new tools for the construction of effective and selective catalytic systems. It is unquestionably, vastly important to understand how different noncovalent interactions can be controlled or manipulated under appropriate reaction conditions. Supramolecular catalysts have had a tremendous impact on the syntheses of both chemical commodities and fine chemicals over the last 50 years, leading to the discovery of new reactions that were previously deemed impossible. This means that supramolecular chemistry plays a predominant role in accelerating or understanding chemical reactions.This book which addresses the above points is written by some of the leading contributors in this field and is intended for graduate students, researchers and academics working in supramolecular chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and physical chemistry as well as researchers with an interest in the area of catalysis. The authors give examples illustrating the growth of the field, especially with special emphasis on new results published over the last decade. They also provide an explanation of fundamentals and topical research.

The observation of Nature is an inexhaustible source of inspiration to promote innovations in chemistry. The bioinspired approach is a revolution in our paradigms because it is not based on what we can take to nature, but on what we can learn from it. Enzymatic systems involved in solar energy conversion (photosystem), hydrogen production (hydrogenases), dioxygen activation (oxydases et oxygenases), CO₂ reduction (CO dehydrogenase) use abundant and cheap starting material such as O₂, H₂O and CO₂. Inspiration of these biological systems is a solution to make our chemical processes greener. These are some of the many challenges that bioinspired chemistry is able to take up.A number of the recent developments in bioinspired chemistry are discussed, including some descriptions on the biological systems that are the source of inspiration. This book is a guide to where bioinspired chemistry will be in the near future and provides a thoughtful perspective on how bioinspiration could change our world.

Biochemistry for Materials Science: Catalysis, Complexes and Proteins unlocks recent developments in the field of biochemistry through a series of case studies, enabling materials scientists to harness these advances for innovation in their own field, from the design of bio-inspired materials, to the use of new classes of catalyst. The book is broken up into six independent parts that include an introduction to seven recent discoveries, a discussion of the fundamental knowledge and techniques of biochemistry, a look at a number of biochemical materials, and an exploration of the areas of life science, organic chemistry and inorganic-related materials. The book concludes with a discussion of cosmochemistry. - Presents recent developments in biochemistry that can be harnessed for innovation in materials science - Utilizes case studies to illustrate the application of various biochemistry concepts - Provides readers with the fundamental knowledge of basic chemistry relating to life-forming materials, catalysis, etc.

This comprehensive book describes the design, synthesis, mechanisms, characterization, fundamental properties, functions and development of self-healing smart materials and their composites with their allied applications. It covers cementitious concrete composites, bleeding composites, elastomers, tires, membranes, and composites in energy storage, coatings, shape-memory, aerospace and robotic applications. The 21 chapters are written by researchers from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds.