Solvation dynamics and proton transfer in supramolecular assemblies

Water molecules confined in a supramolecular assembly control reactivity and dynamics of biological systems in a unique way. In a confined system,water molecules display an ultraslow component of solvation which is slower than that in bulk water by 2-4 orders of magnitude. The ultraslow component arises mainly from the disruption of the hydrogen-bond network of water and the binding of water molecules to a macromolecule. The ultraslow component of solvation markedly retards polar reactions. Many examples of slow dynamics in complex systems, and their implications in biological and natural processes are discussed.