Unité de Chimie Environnementale et Interactions sur le Vivant

Supramolecular Chemistry Team (CS)

Team leader : François Delattre

Team presentation :

Research activity

The supramolecular chemistry team’s research activities are in the field of sustainable chemistry, at the interface of two disciplines: organic synthesis and supramolecular chemistry. They contribute to the development of more environmentally friendly chemical processes by developing unconventional synthesis methods (ultrasound, microwave),as well as methods for encapsulating bioactive compounds, remediation and detection of organic and inorganic pollutants, in the context of biomass recovery.

Supramolecular chemistry:

Since the applications associated with cage molecules largely depend on the stability of the complexes formed with the substrates, understanding the mechanisms involved in recognition is essential for the design of new compounds and is therefore a major focus of our academic research. In this context, we are developing innovative characterisation methods (optical and NMR spectroscopies, headspace, isothermal titration microcalorimetry). These studies are carried out in aqueous solutions, but also in mixtures with low melting points, such as deep eutectic solvents (DES). We are formulating new solvents with supramolecular properties, either by dissolving cyclodextrins in DES or by obtaining DES directly from cyclodextrins.

The supramolecular edifices formed in this way have two main applications:

  • Remediation and detection of organic and inorganic pollutants

One of the main limitations of the remediation processes currently available is the low solubility of hydrophobic organic compounds in water. Our research involves developing innovative methods adapted to hydrophobic organic compounds (VOCs, POPs, etc.) and based on the complexation and solubilisation properties of cyclodextrins or biobased solvents.

  • Encapsulation of compounds of interest (aromas, essential oils, active ingredients)

Encapsulation is a technique used to enclose liquids or solids in an envelope. Cyclodextrins can be used to protect active ingredients against physical and chemical degradation, or to enable controlled or prolonged release of active ingredients. Our work involves characterising the complexes formed in solution (UV-visible, headspace, ITC, NMR) or in the solid phase (DSC, IR) and studying the effect of encapsulation on the physicochemical and/or biological properties of the guest.

Enhancing biomass

In addition to the use of bio-based compounds in our supramolecular formulations, we are developing a research theme dedicated to the development, from products derived from flax (fibre, mucilage), of a base of bio-based compounds (resins, adhesives, binders) for the formulation of new materials. It is part of a partnership with the regional flax industry. With a view to possible industrial applications, semi-pilot sonochemical reactors are being developed to produce high-quality fibres and to functionalise biomass.

Team members

CAZIER Francine

MCF-HDR

DANJOU Pierre-Edouard

MCF

DELATTRE François

Pr

DOUARD Loreleï

MCF

FOURMENTIN Sophie

Pr

KFOURY Miriana

MCF

LANDY David

Pr

RUELLAN Steven

IE

Scientific collaborations

Nationals :

  • Unité de Dynamique et Structure des Matériaux Moléculaire (UDSMM), University of Littoral Cote d’Opale (ULCO), Dunkerque
  • Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du solide (UCCS Artois), UMR CNRS 8181, University of Artois, Lens.
  • Unité des Matériaux et Transformations (UMET), UMR 8207, University of Lille, Villeneuve d’Ascq.
  • Glycochimie, Antimicrobiens et des Agroressources Laboratory, University of Picardie Jules Vernes, Amiens.
  • Institut Galien Paris-Sud (UMR CNRS 8612), University of Paris-Saclay.
  • Institut Lavoisier de Versailles, University of Versailles-Saint Quentin, Versailles.
  • Laboratoire de Chimie, ENS Lyon.
  • Laboratoire de Chimie de la Matière Complexe, UMR 7140, Institut Le Bel, University of Strasbourg.
  • Laboratoire Chrono-environnement, UMR 6249, University of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Besançon.
  • Laboratoire Fractionnement des AgroRessources et Environnement, UMR 614, INRAE, URCA, Reims.
  • Laboratoire Rhéologie et Procédés, UMR 5520, Université Grenoble Alpes.

Internationals :

  • Section of Chemistry, Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Aalborg University, Danemark
  • Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali ed Ingegneria Chimica « G. Natta, Politecnico di Milano, Italie
  • Bioactive Molecules Research Group, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences-2, Lebanese University, Liban
  • Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS-L), Lebanon
  • Istituto Struttura della Materia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italie
  • Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
  • QUILL Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast, UK
  • Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
  • Laboratoire de Photochimie et d’Analyse, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Sénégal.

Current thesis

Name

Period

Title

Mamadou Barry

2022-2025

Synthesis and characterisation of new MXene derivatives for energy storage and conversion

Sarah Karnib

2022-2025

Study of radionuclide chelation in aquatic environments using functionalized Calix[4]pyrrole supramolecular matrices

Gauthier Decool

2022-2025

Development of innovative formulations of natural biocides”, CIFRE Xéda International thesis.

Abbas Ahmad Kassem

2023-2026

New process based on bio-based solvents and compact absorbers for biogas purification”, Hauts-de-France Region, TIGA, Starklab

Shi-Minh Loo

2024-2027

Evaluation of biocompatible porous liquids based on metallo-organic cyclodextrin networks and eutectic solvents for the controlled release of bioactive compounds

Soumia Taibi

2024-2027

Study of the influence of innovative extraction processes (supercritical CO2 and ultrasonic) compared with conventional ones on the extraction and purification of bioactive products present in the pulp and gum of carob (Ceratonia Siliqua L.) in the Oriental region of Morocco.

Research agreement

  • 2023-2027 : ANR CDeePL « Biocompatible Porous Liquids based on Cyclodextrin-MOFs and eutectic solvents », sponsor.
  • 2023-2027 : ANR NanoBAP « Multifunctional Nanostructured Bio-based Active Food Packaging with antimicrobial properties », partner.
  • 2023-2025 : New process based on organic solvents and compact absorbers for purifying biogas (BIO2GAZ), CPER Ecrin.
  • 2023-2025: Evaluation of flax growing by Aerodyne (ECLA), CPER Ecrin.
  • 2023-2024 : PHC Orchid 49619UF, Determination of Total Vapor Pressure of Hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) and Conventional Green Solvents.
  • 2020-2026 : H2020-MSCA-RISE-2019 n°873005 : Waste Oils RecycLe and Development (WORLD).
  • 2020-2024 : Purification of biogas by absorption as part of the project » Dunkerque, l’Energie Créative « , supported by the CUD and winner of the Territoires d’Innovation (TI) action.
  • 2020-2024 : ADEME GRAINE contract « DEPHYTOP » Demonstrator for the phytomanagement of soil contaminated by TMEs based on the circular economy: Optimisation of the essential oils sector.

Recent publications

  • AHMAD KASSEM A., GUI C., LEI Z., ZEMMOURI J., and FOURMENTIN S., Evaluation of nine candidate absorbents for VOC removal in biogas upgrading : Experimental and theoretical study. Separation and Purification Technology, 375:133865, 2025. (10.1016/j.seppur.2025.133865). (hal-05102834).
  • MANGIACAPRE E., TRIOLO A., KFOURY M., RUELLAN S., Lo CELSO F., J M IRVING D., FOURMENTIN S., and RUSSINA O., Sustainable aroma absorption : exploring the potentiality of a β-cyclodextrin and lactic acid supramolecular eutectic solvent. Carbohydrate Polymers, 366:123819, 2025. (10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123819). (hal-05102833).
  • GERGES P., KFOURY M., LANDY D., FOURMENTIN S., and GREIGE-GERGES H., Cyclodextrin-based materials for pulmonary delivery : Insights and challenges. Carbohydrate Polymers, 363:123712, 2025. (10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123712).(hal-05062613).
  • GUI C., XIANG D., FENG M., GUO C., and FOURMENTIN S., Effective VOCs abatement using supramolecular deep eutectic solvents. Separation and Purification Technology, 360(Part 2):131121, 2025. (10.1016/j.seppur.2024.131121). (hal-05041559).
  • KALKAJA S., LAPPALAINEN K., DELATTRE F., and LEVEQUE J.M., Current status of chemical- or enzyme-assisted ultrasonic pre-treatment processes for lignocellulosic biomass to assess industrialization progress: A review. Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering, 48:101124, 2025. (10.1016/j.coche.2025.101124). (hal-05034998).
  • GUI C., LIU Q., LEI Z., GUO Y., KFOURY M., XIANG D., and FOURMENTIN S., Supramolecular Deep Eutectic Solvents and Their Aqueous Solutions : Green Carriers for Essential Oils. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 13(18):6611–6622, 2025. (10.1021/acssuschemeng.5c00881). (hal-05062616).
  • M CORREA C., AVILA J., EL ACHKAR T., ANDRE P., LOO S.M., BAUDRON S., LEGRAND F.X., FOURMENTIN S., and COSTA GOMES M., Porous ionic liquids based on biocompatible CD-MOFs. Chemical Communications, 61(31):5818–5821, 2025. (10.1039/D5CC00489F). (hal-05000112).
  • GUI C., SONG M., LIU Q., XIANG D., LU P., FOURMENTIN S., HUA C., and LEI Z., Rational screening of deep eutectic solvents for the removal of halogenated volatile organic compounds. AIChE Journal, page 13p. / e18858, 2025. (10.1002/aic.18858). (hal-05041562).
  • KHUDAIDA S.H., KFOURY M., LIU J., TIWIKRAMA A.H., and FOURMENTIN S., A step forward in supramolecular green solvents characterization: Total vapor pressure determination. Journal of Molecular Liquids, page 127377, 2025. (10.1016/j.molliq.2025.127377). (hal-04993103).
  • HAPIOT F., DANJOU P.E., DELATTRE F., JOSSE S., and BONNET V., Engaging Students in Spectroscopic Analysis of Organic Compounds: A Collaborative Tournament Approach for Third-Year Chemistry Students in Northern France. Journal of Chemical Education, 102(2):722–728, 2025. (10.1021/acs.jchemed.4c01440). (hal-04939723).
  • CHARGUI H., KFOURY M., SOLTANY A., DJEBBI T., HAOUAL HAMDI S., FOURMENTIN S., MEDIOUNI J., and JEMAA B., b-Cyclodextrin/eucalyptol inclusion complex for improved postharvest date moth control. Pest Management Science, 2025. (10.1002/ps.8977). (hal-05113105).

  • MAKOS-CHELSTOWSKA P., SLUPEK E., FOURMENTIN S., and GEBICKI J., Supramolecular deep eutectic solvents in extraction processes: a review. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 2024. (10.1007/s10311-024-01795-3). (hal-04800920).
  • PEYRACHE T., CHABBERT B., AGUIE-BEGHIN V., DELATTRE F., KUREK B., and GAINVORS-CLAISSE A., Multiscale assessment of the heterogeneity of scutched flax fibers. Industrial Crops and Products, 220:119260, 2024. (10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.119260). (hal-04831343).
  • DIEGANE THIARE D., SARR D., DELATTRE F., GIAMARCHI P, and COLYB A., Direct and reverse micellar-enhanced photo-induced fluorescence determination of fenvalerate in senegalese surface and groundwater. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry, 456: 115841, 2024. (10.1016/j.jphotochem.2024.115841). (hal-04716966).
  • EDDINE ATTAR A., CHAKER H, DJENNAS M., ONDARTS M., and FOURMENTIN S., Investigation of Doehlert matrix conception in novel intrinsically conducting polymers based on selenium nanoparticles for wastewater treatment: Synthesis, characterization, kinetic and chemometric study. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy [1994-…], 319:124562, 2024. (10.1016/j.saa.2024.124562). (hal-04601240).
  • OBEID M., POUPIN C., LABAKI M., GUPTA S., AOUAD S., DELATTRE F., BEN ROMDHANE F., DEVRED F., GAIGNEAUX E., SCHNEE J., and ABI-AAD E., Influence of the ultrasound power density in the ultrasound-assisted synthesis of Ni-based LDH catalysts for CO2 methanation. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 12(5):Id 114059, 2024. (10.1016/j.jece.2024.114059). (hal-04709955).
  • AUGIS L., HUNG NGUYEN C., CISERAN C., WACHA A., MERCIER-NOME F., DOMENICHINI S., SIZUN C., FOURMENTIN S., and LEGRAND F.X., Hydrophobic binary mixtures containing amphotericin B as lipophilic solutions for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 662:124486, 2024. (10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124486). (hal-04660063).
  • MUSA C., ZAIDI M., DEPRIESTER M., ALLOUCHE Y, NAOUAR N., BOURMAUD A., BAILLIS A., and DELATTRE F., Development of Foam Composites from Flax Gum-Filled Epoxy Resin. Journal of Composites Science, 8(7):244, 2024. (10.3390/jcs8070244). (hal-04638654).
  • NAKHLE L., KFOURY M., FOURMENTIN S., GREIGE-GERGES H., and LANDY D., Thermodynamic investigations on host/guest complexation in deep eutectic solvent/water mixtures. Comptes Rendus. Chimie, 27(S5):1 – 9, 2024. (10.5802/crchim.304). (hal-04556607).

  • DELATTRE F., Biomass as the driving force behind the green economy: the example of the flax sector in maritime Flanders. ISTE Openscience, 24, 2024. ⟨hal-04442506⟩

  • EL HAJJ Z., CALANCEA S., HAOUAS M., LANDY D., NAOUFAL D., and FLOQUET S., Playing with the Chaotropic Effect to Improve the Encapsulation of Decaborate Clusters within Cyclodextrins. Journal of Cluster Science, 35(1):253–263, 2024. (10.1007/s10876- 023-02468-x). (hal-04180590).
  • BODIAN E.H.T., FAYE C., THIARE D.D., DIOP N.A., DIAW P.A., DELATTRE F., COLY A., and GIAMARCHI P., Cyclodextrin-enhanced photoinduced fluorescence of tau -fluvalinate, molecular modelling of inclusion complexes and determination in natural waters. Analytical Methods, 16(26):4347–4359, 2024. (10.1039/D4AY00326H). (hal-04716972).
  • SARR D., THIARE D.D., DIAW P.A., CISSE L., COLY A., DELATTRE F., GIAMARCHI P., and TINE A., Direct Spectrofluorimetric Method for the Analysis of Carbofuran and Fluometuron in Senegalese Natural Waters. Journal of Fluorescence, 34(5):2415– 2425, 2024. (10.1007/s10895-023-03458-y.) (hal-04425612).
  • KALAWOUN H., CIOTONEA C., MARINOVA M., GENNEQUIN C., DELATTRE F., Investigation of the physico-chemical properties of Ni-Mg-Al-La catalysts from ultrasound-assisted synthesis. Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, 104, pp.106806, 2024. ⟨10.1016/j.ultsonch.2024.106806⟩. ⟨hal-04458991⟩

  • OULED LTAIEF O., SIFFERT S., BENZINA M., FOURMENTIN S., Preparation of powerful exchanged Faujasite zeolite materials used as effective heterogeneous catalyst for photo-Fenton oxidation of methyl orange (MO). Reaction kinetics, mechanisms and catalysis, 137 (1), pp.547-570, 2024. ⟨10.1007/s11144-023-02563-0⟩. ⟨hal-04382568⟩
  • VILLARIM P., GUI C., GENTY E., LEI Z., ZEMMOURI J., FOURMENTIN S., Toluene absorption from laboratory to industrial scale: An experimental and theoretical study. Separation and Purification Technology, 328, pp.125070, 2024. ⟨10.1016/j.seppur.2023.125070⟩. ⟨hal-04242235⟩
  • GUI C., VILLARIM P., LEI Z., FOURMENTIN S., VOC absorption in supramolecular deep eutectic solvents: Experiment and molecular dynamic studies. Chemical Engineering Journal, 481, pp.148708, 2024. ⟨10.1016/j.cej.2024.148708⟩. ⟨hal-04394666⟩

  • MOGHNIEH A, DANJOU P.E., BOUSSOUALEM Y., FERCHICHI K., and DAOUDI A., A new homologous series of semi-conducting liquid crystals based on phenyl-anthracene: synthesis and effect of the alkyloxy terminal chain on charge transport and photoconductive properties. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, (40):19p., 2024. (10.1039/D4CP02308K). (hal-04722102).
  • BEN ABADA M., SOTANI A., HAOUAL HAMDI S., BOUSHIH E., FOURMENTIN S., GREIGE-GERGES H., and BEN JEMAA M., Potential of cyclodextrin-based formulations of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils in the control of the date moth Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Pyralidae). International Journal of Environmental Health Research, pages 1–16, 2024. (10.1080/09603123.2024.2439446). (hal-05062619).

  • FOURMENTIN S., KFOURY M., Les huiles essentielles : renaissance d’ingrédients naturels et durables Essential oils: the renaissance of natural and sustainable ingredients. Technologie et innovation, Les filières de production dans la bioéconomie, 24 (9), pp.1-21, 2024.  ⟨10.21494/ISTE.OP.2024.1059⟩. ⟨hal-04383379⟩
  • FALAISE C., KHLIFI S., BAUDUIN P., SCHMID P., DEGROUARD J., LEFORESTIER A., SHEPARD W., MARROT J., HAOUAS M., LANDY D., MELLOT-DRAZNIEKS C., CADOT E., Cooperative self-assembly process involving giant toroidal polyoxometalate as a membrane building block in nanoscale vesicles. Journal of the American Chemical Society,146 (2), pp.1501-1511, 2024. ⟨10.1021/jacs.3c11004⟩. ⟨hal-04437717⟩