Dynamic and modular formation of a synergistic transphosphorylation catalyst

Enzymes accelerate chemical reactions by forming cooperative interactions using precisely positioned functional groups. This has inspired the construction of artificial catalysts by the attachment of functional groups onto molecular scaffolds or solid supports to induce synergistic interactions. Herein, the transphosphorylation reaction is used as a model to demonstrate that cooperativity can also occur intermolecularly between multiple functional groups within self-assembled vesicular structures. We demonstrate that the modular and dynamic nature of such systems allow for triggered reorganization and the up- or down-regulation of catalytic activity. Such concepts have the potential to be used in the design of synergistic catalysts and their incorporation into responsive catalytic systems in water.