This article looks at molecules that can exist in multiple states with the possibility of toggling between those states based on different stimuli. They have potential for use in molecular switching or sensing applications. The coupling of two different oxidation states with two different charge-transfer states within one macrocyclic scaffold delivers up to five different optical outputs. This molecular switching manifold exploits intramolecular coupling of multiple redox active substituents within a single molecule.

Data management plan for the grant, "Developing a Biomanufacturing Platform for the Site-Selective Functionalization and Structural Diversification of Cytochalasan-Based Carbon Skeletons." This project will identify fungal enzymes that efficiently modify more than one substrate in a predictable way. Also, enzymes will be engineered to expand the range of substrates. A biomanufacturing platform to synthesize bioactive molecules at lower costs will be the end result. Fungi can synthesize small molecules with complex structures using a number of highly coordinated enzymes. These molecules are difficult to make synthetically, and they can aid in crop production or have beneficial human health effects. Cytochalasans are phytotoxic, cytotoxic and actin-binding natural products. Produced by fungi, over 400 variants have been described. The structural diversity is partly explained by the flexibility of the enzymes that introduce and modify functional groups. These enzymes structurally rearrange the core carbon skeleton in a site-selective manner, often on more than one substrate. Genome mining will be used to identify cytochalasan tailoring enzymes. Overproducing strains will be characterized chemically. Transcription factor over-expression will be investigated. Targeted gene knock-out will confirm the function and scope of the enzymes. The enzymes will be engineered to expand their substrate range. Synthetic biology and metabolic …