Tianjin University hosts the International Symposium on Visionary Trends in Molecular Science

As the first speaker, Professor Makoto Fujita delivered a presentation about coordination self-assembly, which consists of two parts, crystalline sponges and molecular cages. Fujita has made significant contributions to the field of porous coordination networks. The binding of organic guests in the pores, was applied to a new technique, the "crystalline sponge method" does not require the crystallization of samples. Furthermore, Fujita showed a beautiful molecular structure based on his theoretical calculations.

Tang Benzhong, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, delivered a presentation in material field. His topic was "AIEgens: Aggregate Molecules that Make the Invisible Visible". Research on aggregation-induced emission (AIE) has been a hot topic in the field recently. Due to the enthusiastic effort of many researchers, hundreds of AIE luminogens (AIEgens) have been generated which were mainly based on archetypal silole, tetraphenylethene, distyrylanthracene, triphenylethene, and tetraphenyl-1,4-butadiene, etc. To enlarge the family of AIEgens and to enrich their functions, new AIEgens are in high demand. A series of AIE luminogens based on imidazole-cored molecular rotors have been designed and synthesized by Tang. Due to the antifungal characteristics of imidazole moiety, the imidazole derivatives are demonstrated for the inhibition of yeast growth and the evaluation of antifungal activity. According to Tang, AIEgens have special application value in medical diagnosis and treatment which will greatly improve our lives.

Han Zuilhof, an editor of Langmuir then gave a speech titled "Throwing DARTs at Surfaces: A New Entry into Surface-Bound Organic Chemistry". Professor Han told us that the modification of surfaces with covalently attached organic monolayers provides a highly flexible route to obtain a surface with controllable surface properties. He proposed a simple reaction set-up in combination with a generally applicable surface modification strategy and an atmospheric mass spectrometric surface analysis (so-called: DART, i.e. Direct Analysis in Time) to obtain both quantitative and structural information on how, and how much of, a moiety is attached onto a monolayer. His prospective advancements are bright and promising.

Jay Steven Siegel extends his welcome to guests and introduces the Tianjin University Health Sciences Platform.[Photo/Tianjin University]