Researchers at University of Tsukuba have synthesized a helical, magnetically active conductive polymer with exceptionally high optical activity using cyclosporine A as a helix-inducing agent. This polymer exhibits distinct absorption of circularly polarized light, corresponding to the orientation of an applied magnetic field.

Tsukuba, Japan—In the realm of semiconductors, spintronics—a technology that manipulates electronic devices by controlling electron spin within magnetic fields—has gained considerable attention for its potential application in communication technologies. Traditionally, research in this area has predominantly focused on inorganic magnetic materials; only few studies have investigated organic electronics, particularly conductive polymers. Drawing on extensive experience in topological magnetism dating back to the late 1990s, our research team has reported several innovative organic magnetic materials in the spintronics domain.

Building on this foundation, we have developed helical, magnetically active conductive polymers, inspired by the medical application of cyclosporine A, a critical drug in transplantation and immunodeficiency treatment derived from natural fungi and known for its strong helical induction capability. The synthesized polymer, leveraging cyclosporine A's properties, is anticipated to possess a pronounced helical structure. Synchrotron radiation analysis confirmed this helical microstructure. Furthermore, the polymer demonstrated electron spin activity and anisotropy in alignment with the magnetic field direction in the microwave region, alongside measurable circularly polarized electron spin resonance. These characteristics, unprecedented in organic polymers, mark a crucial advancement in the pursuit of polymer-based spintronics.

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This research was supported by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (No. 20K05626) and JST, the establishment of university fellowships towards the creation of science technology innovation, Grant Number JPMJFS2106.

Original Paper

Title of original paper:

Optically Electroactive Polymer Synthesized in a Liquid Crystal with Cyclosporin A─Circularly Polarized Electron Spin Resonance

Journal:

The Journal of Physical Chemistry

DOI:

10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07375

Correspondence

Associate Professor GOTO Hiromasa
Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba

KOMABA Kyoka
Doctoral Program in Engineering Sciences, Degree Programs in Pure and Applied Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba

Professor KUMAI Reiji
Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK)

Related Link

Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences