supramolecular structure
[/ˌsuːprəməˈlɛkjələr ˈstrʌktʃər/]
nounfemininepl: supramolecular structures / estruturas supramoleculares
estrutura supramolecular
1. An organized assembly of molecules held together by non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, electrostatic interactions, or hydrophobic effects, forming a larger functional unit
The DNA double helix is a supramolecular structure formed by hydrogen bonding between complementary base pairs.
A dupla hélice de DNA é uma estrutura supramolecular formada por ligações de hidrogênio entre pares de bases complementares.
2. In chemistry and materials science, a complex formed by multiple molecules arranged in a specific geometric pattern without covalent bonding between them
Researchers designed a supramolecular structure capable of encapsulating drug molecules for targeted delivery.
Pesquisadores projetaram uma estrutura supramolecular capaz de encapsular moléculas de medicamentos para entrega direcionada.
3. An ordered aggregation of molecules exhibiting cooperative properties and functions not present in individual molecules
The supramolecular structure of protein complexes enables enzymatic catalysis through precise spatial arrangement.
A estrutura supramolecular de complexos proteicos permite a catálise enzimática através do arranjo espacial preciso.
This is a technical term used primarily in academic and scientific contexts in both Brazil and the United States. It is not subject to cultural variation and maintains consistent usage across English and Portuguese-speaking scientific communities. The term gained prominence in the 1990s with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to researchers in supramolecular chemistry, leading to increased adoption in both languages.
Related Idioms & Phrases
self-assembly of supramolecular structures
bottom-up approach to supramolecular design
supramolecular engineering
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