Research Projects

Material science and innovation are interested in materials that become stronger upon applying force/stress. One such example is the 'catch bond', a biological phenomenon observed in protein-ligand complexations. These bonds strengthen their grip with increasing stress, similar to normal bonds in muscles. However, mimicking these bonds artificially has been challenging. These materials could have significant applications as self-resistance materials and prevent mechanical fatigue against stress. However, only a few non-biological molecules have been synthesized to mimic these properties. Unlike biological systems, they do not show reversibility due to their transition happening through a permanent bond rupture or dissociation upon applying stress. To introduce reversibility, researchers are using supramolecular (non-covalent) interactions, which are proven to be weak and reversible. The design principle involves creating materials using ureido-amido-naphthyridine (UNaPy), which can reversibly switch between two discrete conformational states: a folded state and a stress-induced unfolded state. The switchable UNaPy unit will be flanked by two intermolecular metal-coordination complexes that provide fixed-strength binding sites. The model will be integrated into a polymer network to evaluate its material property and its capability to provide resistance against mechanical stress. This research is expected to pave the way for the development of stress-resistant materials and potentially bridge the gap between biology and materials science. The project will provide a molecular perspective on the fundamentals and origin of reversible self-resistant materials, with potential industrial applications.