The main research area of the group is supramolecular chemistry. An important research topic is the development of synthetic anion receptors, most of which are based on cyclic peptides and pseudopeptides. Of particular interest is the recognition of anions in water and the understanding of the underlying principles. In addition to macrocyclic receptors, gold nanoparticles and polymeric materials have recently been used for anion binding. A completely different research topic, but also rooted in supramolecular chemistry, is the development of compounds that rapidly convert neurotoxic organophosphates into non-toxic metabolites under physiological conditions, allowing their use to treat poisoning with these nerve agents.
In a collaboration with the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology of the German Armed Forces, new antidotes are developed that mediate the decomposition of neurotoxic organophosphates and organophosphonates. In this context, cyclodextrin derivatives were initially tested as possible scavengers. The following cyclodextrin derivative was shown to allow detoxification of cyclosarin within a few seconds.1 This compound is so active that it even protects guinea pigs from poisoning with cyclosarin when given prophylactically in sufficient doses.2
Cyclodextrin derivatives have also been identified for the detoxification of tabun.3
For the detoxification of persistent V-type nerve agents, which are predominantly protonated and therefore cationic at physiological pH due to an amino group in one of the side chains, cation-binding receptors were tested as potential scavengers. In this context, the calix[4]arene derivative shown below was developed, which is the first low molecular weight scavenger to detoxify VX and other V-type nerve agents within a few minutes.4 This activity is still too low for an in vivo use and current work therefore pursues the synthesis of more active derivatives.
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