Cooperative binding in selective sensors, catalysts and actuators

This article is concerned with the incorporation of cooperative molecular recognition and metal ion coordination in the design of selective sensors that signal binding events through their optical properties. Sensors that rely on non-specific hydrophobic effects are first considered before looking at the use of specific, directed intermolecular interactions to achieve greater specificity and chiral discrimination. The natural development of the same design concepts to produce catalysts and actuating devices with similar discriminatory abilities is also discussed.