Chinese researchers unveil dynamic supramolecular snub cubes
Applications of this innovation extend to chiral separation, drug delivery, and other fields
China has announced a scientific breakthrough in supramolecular chemistry, showcased in a newly launched exhibition that delves into the construction of dynamic supramolecular snub cubes. This is reported by China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS.
This pioneering achievement addresses a long-standing challenge in assembling artificial polyhedra with stereospecificity, mechanical properties, and guest-binding attributes, akin to biological encapsulants like viral capsids and ferritin.
The snub cube, one of the 13 Archimedean solids described by ancient mathematician Archimedes, has captivated researchers for its topological chirality and structural intricacy. Leveraging a hierarchical chirality transfer protocol, the research team successfully assembled enantiomeric supramolecular snub cubes with unparalleled precision. These structures, featuring 38 faces and an external diameter of 5.1 nanometres, include a spherical void of 2.3 nanometres.
Exhibiting reversible photochromic behaviour, these snub cubes change colour under varying light wavelengths and possess photocontrollable mechanical properties, such as elasticity and hardness. Their unique design holds immense potential for creating advanced smart materials and optoelectronic devices.
Applications of this innovation extend to chiral separation, drug delivery, and other groundbreaking fields.
Photo: iStock
-
![]()
Technology09.09.26INOTEX 2026 connects 10 countries through technology, investment and startup cooperation -
![]()
Technology09.09.26Russian scientists develop equipment for quickly detecting defective parts in manufacturing -
![]()
Technology09.09.26Ethiopia creates globally competitive opportunities in artificial intelligence -
![]()
Technology08.09.26Expert: India can drive BRICS cooperation in energy, space, and digital technologies -
![]()
Technology08.09.26Dubai airports launch mobile passport control -
![]()
Technology07.09.26Iran develops AI system to detect pistachios suspected of aflatoxin contamination
-
![Vladimir Putin]()
Vladimir PutinPresident of Russia"We are developing mutual trade, which is growing; it increased by over 12 per cent last year. We have a joint commission working in this sphere. Our focus is on agriculture, shipbuilding, information technology and energy, including nuclear power. We have signed a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Indonesia. Jakarta is our reliable and old friend within ASEAN. We are working together at all international platforms, including the UN" -
![Vladimir Putin]()
Vladimir PutinPresident of Russia"More and more Iranian students are choosing Russian education. We are very pleased about this. A great many future doctors are studying in Russia. In the 2025–2026 academic year, the number of Iranian students in Russia approached 10,000, with 802 of them studying at the expense of the Russian state budget" -
![Xi Jinping]()
Xi JinpingPresident of the People’s Republic of China"The foundation of our bilateral relations will only grow stronger, and we will confidently move forward to a better future. […] The striving of nations on our planet for peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit remains unchanged. The vital mission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is to maintain stability and promote the development of our region" -
![Alisher Salomov]()
Alisher SalomovAdviser to the Chairman of the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan"First and foremost, I would like to highlight the importance of this Central Asia–Russia initiative, because environmental problems know no borders, and only a shared understanding of these problems and the search for joint solutions can deliver positive results" -
![Joao Paulo Capobianco]()
Joao Paulo CapobiancoBrazilian Minister of the Environment and Climate Change"The BRICS countries have a very high level of responsibility because they share an important part of the world's biodiversity, landscapes, populations, food production and water resources. So, we have an opportunity to lead by example. We have our development bank, which can demonstrate and develop new ways of financing programmes. We can reduce the risks for private capital to invest in restoration and efforts to combat desertification"
