1
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Smith DK. Supramolecular gels - a panorama of low-molecular-weight gelators from ancient origins to next-generation technologies. SOFT MATTER 2023; 20:10-70. [PMID: 38073497 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01301d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Supramolecular gels, self-assembled from low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs), have a long history and a bright future. This review provides an overview of these materials, from their use in lubrication and personal care in the ancient world, through to next-generation technologies. In academic terms, colloid scientists in the 19th and early 20th centuries first understood such gels as being physically assembled as a result of weak interactions, combining a solid-like network having a degree of crystalline order with a highly mobile liquid-like phase. During the 20th century, industrial scientists began using these materials in new applications in the polymer, oil and food industries. The advent of supramolecular chemistry in the late 20th century, with its focus on non-covalent interactions and controlled self-assembly, saw the horizons for these materials shifted significantly beyond their historic rheological applications, expanding their potential. The ability to tune the LMWG chemical structure, manipulate hierarchical assembly, develop multi-component systems, and introduce new types of responsive and interactive behaviour, has been transformative. Furthermore, the dynamics of these materials are increasingly understood, creating metastable gels and transiently-fueled systems. New approaches to shaping and patterning gels are providing a unique opportunity for more sophisticated uses. These supramolecular advances are increasingly underpinning and informing next-generation applications - from drug delivery and regenerative medicine to environmental remediation and sustainable energy. In summary, this article presents a panorama over the field of supramolecular gels, emphasising how both academic and industrial scientists are building on the past, and engaging new fundamental insights and innovative concepts to open up exciting horizons for their future use.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K Smith
- Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
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2
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Seyrig C, Poirier A, Bizien T, Baccile N. In Situ Stimulation of Self-Assembly Tunes the Elastic Properties of Interpenetrated Biosurfactant-Biopolymer Hydrogels. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:19-32. [PMID: 36573937 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels are widespread soft materials, which can be used in a wide range of applications. The control over the viscoelastic properties of the gel is of paramount importance. Ongoing environmental issues have raised the consumer's concern toward the use of more sustainable materials, including hydrogels. However, are greener materials compatible with high functionality? In a safe-by-design approach, this work demonstrates that functional hydrogels with in situ responsivity of their elastic properties by external stimuli can be developed from entirely "sustainable" components, a biobased amphiphile and biopolymers (gelatin, chitosan, and alginate). The bioamphiphile is a stimuli-responsive glycolipid obtained by microbial fermentation, which can self-assemble into fibers, but also micelles or vesicles, in water under high dilution and by a rapid variation of the stimuli. The elastic properties of the bioamphiphile-/biopolymer-interpenetrated hydrogels can be modulated by selectively triggering the phase transition of the glycolipid and/or the biopolymer inside the gel by mean of temperature or pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Seyrig
- Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris, LCMCP, Paris F-75005, France
| | - Alexandre Poirier
- Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris, LCMCP, Paris F-75005, France
| | - Thomas Bizien
- Synchrotron SOLEIL, L'Orme des Merisiers Saint-Aubin, Gif-sur-Yvette BP 48 91192, Cedex France
| | - Niki Baccile
- Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris, LCMCP, Paris F-75005, France
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3
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Esteve F, Villanueva-Antolí A, Altava B, García-Verdugo E, Luis SV. Unravelling the Supramolecular Driving Forces in the Formation of CO 2-Responsive Pseudopeptidic Low-Molecular-Weight Hydrogelators. Gels 2022; 8:gels8060390. [PMID: 35735734 PMCID: PMC9222431 DOI: 10.3390/gels8060390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A new family of C2-symmetric pseudopeptides with a high functional density for supramolecular interactions has been synthetized through the attachment of four amino acid subunits to a diamino aliphatic spacer. The resulting open-chain compounds present remarkable properties as low-molecular-weight hydrogelators. The self-assembled 3D networks were characterized by SEM analyses, observing regular nanofibres with 80–100 nm diameters. Spectroscopic and molecular modelling experiments revealed the presence of strong synergic effects between the H-bonding and π–π interactions, with the best results obtained for the homoleptic tetra-pseudopeptide derived from l-Phe. In addition, these bioinspired hydrogels possessed pH- and CO2-responsive sol–gel transitions. The formation of ammonium carbamate derivatives in the presence of carbon dioxide led to a detrimental change in its adequate self-assembly. CO2 desorption temperatures of ca. 70 °C were assigned to the thermodynamically favoured recovery of the supramolecular gel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Esteve
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Orgánica, Universitat Jaume I, Av. Sos Baynat s/n, 12071 Castelló de la Plana, Spain; (F.E.); (E.G.-V.)
| | | | - Belén Altava
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Orgánica, Universitat Jaume I, Av. Sos Baynat s/n, 12071 Castelló de la Plana, Spain; (F.E.); (E.G.-V.)
- Correspondence: (B.A.); (S.V.L.)
| | - Eduardo García-Verdugo
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Orgánica, Universitat Jaume I, Av. Sos Baynat s/n, 12071 Castelló de la Plana, Spain; (F.E.); (E.G.-V.)
| | - Santiago V. Luis
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Orgánica, Universitat Jaume I, Av. Sos Baynat s/n, 12071 Castelló de la Plana, Spain; (F.E.); (E.G.-V.)
- Correspondence: (B.A.); (S.V.L.)
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4
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Piras CC, Mahon CS, Genever PG, Smith DK. Shaping and Patterning Supramolecular Materials─Stem Cell-Compatible Dual-Network Hybrid Gels Loaded with Silver Nanoparticles. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:1829-1840. [PMID: 35364810 PMCID: PMC9092345 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Hydrogels
with spatio-temporally
controlled properties are appealing
materials for biological and pharmaceutical applications. We make
use of mild acidification protocols to fabricate hybrid gels using
calcium alginate in the presence of a preformed thermally triggered
gel based on a low-molecular-weight gelator (LMWG) 1,3:2:4-di(4-acylhydrazide)-benzylidene
sorbitol (DBS-CONHNH2). Nonwater-soluble calcium carbonate
slowly releases calcium ions over time when exposed to an acidic pH,
triggering the assembly of the calcium alginate gel network. We combined
the gelators in different ways: (i) the LMWG was used as a template
to spatially control slow calcium alginate gelation within preformed
gel beads, using glucono-δ-lactone (GdL) to lower the pH; (ii)
the LMWG was used as a template to spatially control slow calcium
alginate gelation within preformed gel trays, using diphenyliodonium
nitrate (DPIN) as a photoacid to lower the pH, and spatial resolution
was achieved by masking. The dual-network hybrid gels display highly
tunable properties, and the beads are compatible with stem cell growth.
Furthermore, they preserve the LMWG function of inducing in situ silver
nanoparticle (AgNP) formation, which provides the gels with antibacterial
activity. These gels have potential for eventual regenerative medicine
applications in (e.g.) bone tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen C Piras
- Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Clare S Mahon
- Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Paul G Genever
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - David K Smith
- Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
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5
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Vasilyev G, Koifman N, Shuster M, Gishvoliner M, Cohen Y, Zussman E. Phase Change Material with Gelation Imparting Shape Stability. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:11887-11902. [PMID: 35449967 PMCID: PMC9016851 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c07376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Blending two gelators with different chemistries (12-hydroxystearic acid and a bis-urea derivative, Millithix MT-800) was used to impart shape stability to CrodaTherm 29, a bio-based phase change material (PCM), melting/crystallizing at near-ambient temperature. The gelators immobilized the PCM by forming an interpenetrating fibrillar network. 15 wt % concentration of the gelators was found to be effective in preventing liquid PCM leakage. In order to improve the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity (TC) of the PCM, gelation of suspensions of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) in a molten material was done at concentrations exceeding their percolation thresholds. Compared to pristine PCM, the gelled PCM containing 3.0 wt % of GnPs demonstrated a shorter crystallization time, ∼1.5-fold increase in strength, improved stability, and ∼65% increase in TC. At the same time, PCM filled with up to 0.6 wt % of MWCNTs had diminished strength and increased leakage with a slight TC improvement. Gelation of PCM did not significantly alter its thermal behavior, but it did change its crystalline morphology. The developed shape-stable PCMs may have a wide range of applications in ambient temperature solar-thermal installations, for example, temperature-controlled greenhouses, net zero-energy buildings, and water heaters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gleb Vasilyev
- Faculty
of Mechanical Engineering, Technion—Israel
Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Naama Koifman
- Faculty
of Chemical Engineering, Technion—Israel
Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Michael Shuster
- Carmel
Olefins Limited—BAZAN Group, P.O.
Box 1468, Haifa 31014, Israel
| | | | - Yachin Cohen
- Faculty
of Chemical Engineering, Technion—Israel
Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Eyal Zussman
- Faculty
of Mechanical Engineering, Technion—Israel
Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
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6
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Singh N, Lopez-Acosta A, Formon GJM, Hermans TM. Chemically Fueled Self-Sorted Hydrogels. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 144:410-415. [PMID: 34932352 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c10282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Narcissistic self-sorting in supramolecular assemblies can help to construct materials with more complex hierarchies. Whereas controlled changes in pH or temperature have been used to this extent for two-component self-sorted gels, here we show that a chemically fueled approach can provide three-component materials with high precision. The latter materials have interesting mechanical properties, such as enhanced or suppressed stiffness, and intricate multistep gelation kinetics. In addition, we show that we can achieve supramolecular templating, where pre-existing supramolecular fibers first act as templates for growth of a second gelator, after which they can selectively be removed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishant Singh
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, UMR7140, 4 Rue Blaise Pascal, 67081 Strasbourg, France
| | - Alvaro Lopez-Acosta
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, UMR7140, 4 Rue Blaise Pascal, 67081 Strasbourg, France
| | - Georges J M Formon
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, UMR7140, 4 Rue Blaise Pascal, 67081 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas M Hermans
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, UMR7140, 4 Rue Blaise Pascal, 67081 Strasbourg, France
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7
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Cooke HS, Schlichter L, Piras CC, Smith DK. Double diffusion for the programmable spatiotemporal patterning of multi-domain supramolecular gels. Chem Sci 2021; 12:12156-12164. [PMID: 34667581 PMCID: PMC8457394 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc03155d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
To achieve spatial resolution of a multi-component gel, a double diffusion approach is used which enables the precise programming of self-assembled patterned domains with well-defined shapes and sizes. The low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs) used in this study are pH-responsive DBS-CO2H and thermally-responsive DBS-CONHNH2 (both based on 1,3:2,4-dibenzylidenesorbitol, DBS). A DBS-CONHNH2 gel was initially assembled in a tray, and then loaded at carefully-selected positions with either basified DBS-CO2H (i.e. DBS-carboxylate) or an acid. These soluble components subsequently diffuse through the pre-formed gel matrix, and in the domains when/where they mix, protonation of the DBS-carboxylate induces self-assembly of the DBS-CO2H network, leading to a patterned gel-in-gel object with well-defined shape and dimensions. Using a strong acid achieves fast gelation kinetics, creating smaller, better-defined macroscale objects but with less nanoscale order. Using a weak acid source with slow kinetics, gives slightly larger objects, but on the nanoscale the DBS-CO2H network formation is better controlled, giving more homogeneous nanoscale structures and stiffer objects. The patterned objects can be further reinforced by the presence of agarose polymer gelator. The shape of the patterning is programmed by both the shape of the central reservoir and the starting geometry in which the reservoirs are organised, with the balance between factors depending on assembly kinetics, as dictated by the choice of acid. This simple methodology therefore enables programming of patterned gels with spatiotemporal control and emergent patterning characteristics. To achieve spatial resolution of a multi-component gel, a double diffusion approach is used which enables the precise programming of emergent self-assembled patterned domains with well-defined shapes and sizes.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah S Cooke
- Department of Chemistry, University of York Heslington York YO10 5DD UK
| | - Lisa Schlichter
- Department of Chemistry, University of York Heslington York YO10 5DD UK
| | - Carmen C Piras
- Department of Chemistry, University of York Heslington York YO10 5DD UK
| | - David K Smith
- Department of Chemistry, University of York Heslington York YO10 5DD UK
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8
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Piras CC, Patterson AK, Smith DK. Hybrid Self-Assembled Gel Beads for Tuneable pH-Controlled Rosuvastatin Delivery. Chemistry 2021; 27:13203-13210. [PMID: 34346527 PMCID: PMC8519141 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202101405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This article describes the fabrication of new pH-responsive hybrid gel beads combining the polymer gelator calcium alginate with two different low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs) based on 1,3 : 2,4-dibenzylidene-d-sorbitol: pH-responsive DBS-COOH and thermally responsive DBS-CONHNH2 , thus clearly demonstrating that different classes of LMWG can be fabricated into gel beads by using this approach. We also demonstrate that self-assembled multicomponent gel beads can be formed by using different combinations of these gelators. The different gel bead formulations exhibit different responsiveness - the DBS-COOH network can disassemble within those beads in which it is present upon raising the pH. To exemplify preliminary data for a potential application for these hybrid gel beads, we explored aspects of the delivery of the lipid-lowering active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) rosuvastatin. The release profile of this statin from the hybrid gel beads is pH-dependent, with greater release at pH 7.4 than at pH 4.0 - primary control of this process results from the pKa of the API. The extent of pH-mediated API release is also significantly further modified according to gel bead composition. The DBS-COOH/alginate beads show rapid, highly effective drug release at pH 7.4, whereas the three-component DBS-COOH/DBS-CONHNH2 /alginate system shows controlled slow release of the API under the same conditions. These initial results indicate that such gel beads constitute a promising, versatile and easily tuned platform suitable for further development for controlled drug-delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen C. Piras
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of YorkHeslington, YorkYO10 5DDUK
| | | | - David K. Smith
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of YorkHeslington, YorkYO10 5DDUK
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9
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Schlichter L, Piras CC, Smith DK. Spatial and temporal diffusion-control of dynamic multi-domain self-assembled gels. Chem Sci 2021; 12:4162-4172. [PMID: 34163689 PMCID: PMC8179439 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc06862d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamic assembly of a pH-responsive low-molecular-weight gelator (LMWG) within the pre-formed matrix of a second LMWG has been achieved via diffusion of an acid from a reservoir cut into the gel. Self-assembly of the acid-triggered LMWG as it converts from micellar aggregates at basic pH into gel nanofibers at lower pH values can be both spatially and temporally controlled. The pH-responsive LMWG has an impact on the stiffness of the pre-formed gel in the domains in which it assembles. When low acid concentrations are used, LMWG assembly is transient – after the initial proton diffusion phase, the pH rises and disassembly occurs as the system equilibrates. Re-application of additional acid as ‘fuel’ can then re-assemble the LMWG network. Using glucono-δ-lactone (which slowly hydrolyses to gluconic acid) instead of HCl gives slower, more spatially-restricted assembly, and creates longer-lasting pH gradients within the gel. The presence of an agarose polymer gel network improves the mechanical strength of the gels and appears to slightly enhance the rate of proton diffusion. More sophisticated reservoir shapes can be cut into these more mechanically robust gels, enabling the creation of diffusion waves with different geometries, and hence different patterns of LMWG activation. Multiple reservoirs can be used to create overlapping proton diffusion waves, hence achieving differentiated pH patterns in the gel. Using acid diffusion in this way within gels is an intriguing and powerful way of dynamic patterning. The ability to temporally-evolve spatially-resolved patterns using biocompatible weak acids, and the change in rheological performance of the triggered domains, suggest potential future applications of this strategy in tissue engineering. The assembly of a pH-sensitive LMWG within a pre-formed network of a second LMWG can be achieved by diffusing acids from pre-cut reservoirs, giving rise to patterned gels in which the rheological properties evolve with spatial and temporal control.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Schlichter
- Department of Chemistry, University of York Heslington York YO10 5DD UK
| | - Carmen C Piras
- Department of Chemistry, University of York Heslington York YO10 5DD UK
| | - David K Smith
- Department of Chemistry, University of York Heslington York YO10 5DD UK
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10
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Piras CC, Kay AG, Genever PG, Smith DK. Self-assembled low-molecular-weight gelator injectable microgel beads for delivery of bioactive agents. Chem Sci 2021; 12:3958-3965. [PMID: 34163666 PMCID: PMC8179440 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc06296k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the preparation of hybrid self-assembled microgel beads by combining the low molecular weight gelator (LMWG) DBS-CONHNH2 and the natural polysaccharide calcium alginate polymer gelator (PG). Microgel formulations based on LMWGs are extremely rare due to the fragility of the self-assembled networks and the difficulty of retaining any imposed shape. Our hybrid beads contain interpenetrated LMWG and PG networks, and are obtained by an emulsion method, allowing the preparation of spherical gel particles of controllable sizes with diameters in the mm or μm range. Microgels based on LMWG/alginate can be easily prepared with reproducible diameters <1 μm (ca. 800 nm). They are stable in water at room temperature for many months, and survive injection through a syringe. The rapid assembly of the LMWG on cooling plays an active role in helping control the diameter of the microgel beads. These LMWG microbeads retained the ability of the parent gel to deliver the bioactive molecule heparin, and in cell culture medium this enhanced the growth of human mesenchymal stem cells. Such microgels may therefore have future applications in tissue repair. This approach to fabricating LMWG microgels is a platform technology, which could potentially be applied to a variety of different functional LMWGs, and hence has wide-ranging potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen C Piras
- Department of Chemistry, University of York Heslington York YO10 5DD UK
| | - Alasdair G Kay
- Department of Biology, University of York Heslington York YO10 5DD UK
| | - Paul G Genever
- Department of Biology, University of York Heslington York YO10 5DD UK
| | - David K Smith
- Department of Chemistry, University of York Heslington York YO10 5DD UK
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11
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Oliveira IS, Machado RL, Araújo MJ, Gomes AC, Marques EF. Stimuli-Sensitive Self-Assembled Tubules Based on Lysine-Derived Surfactants for Delivery of Antimicrobial Proteins. Chemistry 2021; 27:692-704. [PMID: 32830362 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202003320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Drug delivery vectors based on amphiphiles have important features such as versatile physicochemical properties and stimuli-responsiveness. Amino acid-based surfactants are especially promising amphiphiles due to their enhanced biocompatibility compared to conventional surfactants. They can self-organize into micelles, vesicles and complex hierarchical structures, such as fibers, twisted and coiled ribbons, and tubules. In this work, we investigated the self-assembly and drug loading properties of a family of novel anionic double-tailed lysine-derived surfactants, with variable degree of tail length mismatch, designated as mLys10 and 10Lysn, where m and n are the number of carbon atoms in the tails. These surfactants form tubular aggregates with assorted morphologies in water that undergo gelation due to dense entanglement, as evidenced by light and electron microscopy. Lysozyme (LZM), an enzyme with antimicrobial properties, was selected as model protein for loading. After the characterization of the interfacial properties and phase behavior of the amphiphiles, the LZM-loading ability of the tubules was investigated, under varying experimental conditions, to assess the efficiency of the aggregates as pH- and temperature-sensitive nanocarriers. Further, the toxicological profile of the surfactants per se and surfactant/LZM hydrogels was obtained, using human skin fibroblasts (BJ-5ta cell line). Overall, the results show that the tubule-based hydrogels exhibit very interesting properties for the transport and controlled release of molecules of therapeutic interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel S Oliveira
- CIQUP, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui L Machado
- CIQUP, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria J Araújo
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia C Gomes
- CBMA-Centro de Biologia Molecular e Ambiental, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Eduardo F Marques
- CIQUP, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
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12
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Vasilyev G, Koifman N, Shuster M, Gishvoliner M, Cohen Y, Zussman E. Synergistic Effect of Two Organogelators for the Creation of Bio-Based, Shape-Stable Phase-Change Materials. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2020; 36:15572-15582. [PMID: 33320688 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c02960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Two organogelators of different chemistry (a fatty acid derivative and a bis-urea derivative), as well as their blends, were used to impart shape stability to a bio-based phase-change material (PCM) bearing a near-ambient phase-transition temperature. Characterization of the individual gelators and their blends revealed their ability to immobilize the PCM by forming a continuous fibrillar network. The fibrils formed by the fatty acid derivative were helical, while the bis-urea derivative formed smooth fibrils. Also, the bis-urea derivative formed a continuous network at a lower critical concentration than the fatty acid derivative. At each fixed concentration, the bis-urea derivative yielded gels with higher thermal stability than the fatty acid derivative. The two gelators blended in certain ratios demonstrated a strong synergistic effect, providing gels with a significantly higher modulus (∼20-fold) and yield stress (∼1.5-fold) than each gelator individually. PCM gelation did not significantly affect its thermal behavior, however, affected its crystalline morphology. The gelled PCM displayed stacked structures, consisting of alternating pure PCM layers separated by layers formed by gelator fibrils. The phase diagram of the triple system comprising both gelators and PCM demonstrated either single or double gelation behavior depending on the composition. These findings may provide guidelines for the development of novel, shape-stable PCMs, which could be of potential use in various thermal energy storage applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gleb Vasilyev
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Naama Koifman
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Michael Shuster
- Carmel Olefins Ltd.-BAZAN Group, P.O. Box 1468, Haifa 31014, Israel
| | | | - Yachin Cohen
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Eyal Zussman
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
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13
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Kubota R, Nagao K, Tanaka W, Matsumura R, Aoyama T, Urayama K, Hamachi I. Control of seed formation allows two distinct self-sorting patterns of supramolecular nanofibers. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4100. [PMID: 32796855 PMCID: PMC7428048 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17984-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-sorting double network hydrogels comprising orthogonal supramolecular nanofibers have attracted attention as artificially-regulated multi-component systems. Regulation of network patterns of self-sorted nanofibers is considered as a key for potential applications such as optoelectronics, but still challenging owing to a lack of useful methods to prepare and analyze the network patterns. Herein, we describe the selective construction of two distinct self-sorting network patterns, interpenetrated and parallel, by controlling the kinetics of seed formation with dynamic covalent oxime chemistry. Confocal imaging reveals the interpenetrated self-sorting network was formed upon addition of O-benzylhydroxylamine to a benzaldehyde-tethered peptide-type hydrogelator in the presence of lipid-type nanofibers. We also succeed in construction of a parallel self-sorting network through deceleration of seed formation using a slow oxime exchange reaction. Through careful observation, the formation of peptide-type seeds and nanofibers is shown to predominantly occur on the surface of the lipid-type nanofibers via highly dynamic and thermally-fluctuated processes. Regulation of self-sorted nanofiber network patterns in double network hydrogels comprising supramolecular nanofibers is considered as key for potential applications. Here, the authors describe a selective construction of two distinct self-sorting network patterns, by controlling the kinetics of seed formation with dynamic covalent chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryou Kubota
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Nagao
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
| | - Wataru Tanaka
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Matsumura
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
| | - Takuma Aoyama
- Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Kenji Urayama
- Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Itaru Hamachi
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan. .,JST-ERATO, Hamachi Innovative Molecular Technology for Neuroscience, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8530, Japan.
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14
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Piras CC, Mahon CS, Smith DK. Self-Assembled Supramolecular Hybrid Hydrogel Beads Loaded with Silver Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial Applications. Chemistry 2020; 26:8452-8457. [PMID: 32294272 PMCID: PMC7384024 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202001349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This Full Paper reports the formation of silver (Ag) NPs within spatially resolved two-component hydrogel beads, which combine a low-molecular-weight gelator (LMWG) DBS-CONHNH2 and a polymer gelator (PG) calcium alginate. The AgNPs are formed through in situ reduction of AgI , with the resulting nanoparticle-loaded gels being characterised in detail. The antibacterial activity of the nanocomposite gel beads was tested against two drug-resistant bacterial strains, often associated with hospital-acquired infections: vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA14), and the AgNP-loaded gels showed good antimicrobial properties against both types of bacteria. It is suggested that the gel bead format of these AgNP-loaded hybrid hydrogels makes them promising versatile materials for potential applications in orthopaedics or wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen C. Piras
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of YorkHeslingtonYorkYO10 5DDUK
| | - Clare S. Mahon
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of YorkHeslingtonYorkYO10 5DDUK
| | - David K. Smith
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of YorkHeslingtonYorkYO10 5DDUK
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15
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Thomson L, Schweins R, Draper ER, Adams DJ. Creating Transient Gradients in Supramolecular Hydrogels. Macromol Rapid Commun 2020; 41:e2000093. [PMID: 32297369 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202000093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The self-assembly of low molecular weight gelators in water usually produces homogeneous hydrogels. However, homogeneous gels are not always desired. Using a photoacid generator, it is shown how to form gels with a transient gradient in stiffness, proved using cavitation and bulk rheology. Small-angle neutron scattering is used to show that the gels formed by photoacid are the result of the same structures as when using a conventional pH trigger. Patterned gels can also be formed, again with transient differences in stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Thomson
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, Scotland
| | - Ralf Schweins
- Large Scale Structures Group, Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 20156, 38042 GRENOBLE, Cedex 9, France
| | - Emily R Draper
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, Scotland
| | - Dave J Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, Scotland
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16
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Okesola B, Wu Y, Derkus B, Gani S, Wu D, Knani D, Smith DK, Adams DJ, Mata A. Supramolecular Self-Assembly To Control Structural and Biological Properties of Multicomponent Hydrogels. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2019; 31:7883-7897. [PMID: 31631941 PMCID: PMC6792223 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.9b01882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembled nanofibers are ubiquitous in nature and serve as inspiration for the design of supramolecular hydrogels. A multicomponent approach offers the possibility of enhancing the tunability and functionality of this class of materials. We report on the synergistic multicomponent self-assembly involving a peptide amphiphile (PA) and a 1,3:2,4-dibenzylidene-d-sorbitol (DBS) gelator to generate hydrogels with tunable nanoscale morphology, improved stiffness, enhanced self-healing, and stability to enzymatic degradation. Using induced circular dichroism of Thioflavin T (ThT), electron microscopy, small-angle neutron scattering, and molecular dynamics approaches, we confirm that the PA undergoes self-sorting, while the DBS gelator acts as an additive modifier for the PA nanofibers. The supramolecular interactions between the PA and DBS gelators result in improved bulk properties and cytocompatibility of the two-component hydrogels as compared to those of the single-component systems. The tunable mechanical properties, self-healing ability, resistance to proteolysis, and biocompatibility of the hydrogels suggest future opportunities for the hydrogels as scaffolds for tissue engineering and drug delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babatunde
O. Okesola
- Institute
of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University
of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
- School
of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen
Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
| | - Yuanhao Wu
- Institute
of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University
of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
- School
of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen
Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
| | - Burak Derkus
- Institute
of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University
of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
- School
of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen
Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
- Biomedical
Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 26040 Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Samar Gani
- Department
of Biotechnology Engineering, ORT Braude
College, P.O. Box 78, Karmiel 2161002, Israel
| | - Dongsheng Wu
- School
of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen
Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
| | - Dafna Knani
- Department
of Biotechnology Engineering, ORT Braude
College, P.O. Box 78, Karmiel 2161002, Israel
| | - David K. Smith
- Department
of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, U.K.
| | - Dave J. Adams
- School
of
Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
| | - Alvaro Mata
- Institute
of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University
of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
- School
of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen
Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
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