Dynamic combinatorial optimization of a neutral receptor that binds inorganic anions in aqueous solution.

A dynamic combinatorial library of potential anion receptors was generated from a cyclic peptide disulfide dimer and a series of dithiol spacers. Exposing the library to KI or K2SO4 led to the amplification of two new neutral receptors that bind anions through hydrogen bonding with up to micromolar affinity in aqueous solution. Thermodynamic studies suggest that these second-generation receptors outclass the previously described first-generation receptor, largely as a result of a more favorable enthalpy of binding. These results demonstrate that dynamic combinatorial optimization of designed hosts can be a powerful strategy, bringing synthetic receptors that approach the efficiencies of proteins one step closer.