Towards synthetic adrenaline receptors - Shape-selective adrenaline recognition in water

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/1521-3773(20010903)40:17<3148::AID-ANIE3148>3.0.CO;2-S

A new rationally designed receptor molecule binds adrenaline derivatives in water. Its binding pattern (see picture) imitates the interplay of noncovalent interactions operating in the natural receptor. High shape selectivity is achieved for the slim dopamine skeleton, and leads to rejection of substrates with an a-substituent, such as amino acid derivatives.