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van den Akker WP, van Benthem RATM, Voets IK, van Hest JCM. Dampened Transient Actuation of Hydrogels Autonomously Controlled by pH-Responsive Bicontinuous Nanospheres. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:19642-19650. [PMID: 38569110 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c02643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The fabrication of a soft actuator with a dampened actuation response is presented. This was achieved via the incorporation into an actuating hydrogel of urease-loaded pH-responsive bicontinuous nanospheres (BCNs), whose membrane was able to regulate the permeability and thus conversion of fuel urea into ammonia. The dampened response of these nanoreactors to the enzymatically induced pH change was translated to a pH-responsive soft actuator. In hydrogels composed of a pH-responsive and nonresponsive layer, the transient pH gradient yielded an asymmetric swelling behavior, which induced a bending response. The transient actuation profile could be controlled by varying the external fuel concentrations. Furthermore, we showed that the spatial organization of the BCNs within the actuator had a great influence on the actuation response. Embedding the urease-loaded nanoreactors within the active, pH-responsive layer resulted in a reduced response due to local substrate conversion in comparison to embedding them within the passive layer of the bilayer hydrogel. Finally, we were able to induce transient actuation in a hydrogel comprising two identical active layers by the immobilization of the BCNs within one specific layer. Upon addition of urea, a local pH gradient was generated, which caused accelerated swelling in the BCN layer and transient bending of the device before the pH gradient was attenuated over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter P van den Akker
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Bio-Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Helix, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Self-Organizing Soft Matter, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rolf A T M van Benthem
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Shell Energy Transition Center Amsterdam, Grasweg 31, 1031 HW Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ilja K Voets
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Self-Organizing Soft Matter, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jan C M van Hest
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Bio-Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Helix, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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2
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Debais G, Missoni LL, Perez Sirkin YA, Tagliazucchi M. Theoretical treatment of complex coacervate core micelles: structure and pH-induced disassembly. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:7602-7612. [PMID: 37756111 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01047c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Complex coacervate core micelles (C3Ms) are supramolecular soft nanostructures formed by the assembly of a block copolymer and an oppositely charged homopolymer. The coacervation of the charged segments in both macromolecules drives the formation of the core of the C3M, while the neutral block of the copolymer forms the corona. This work introduces a molecular theory (MOLT) that predicts the internal structure and stimuli-responsive properties of C3Ms and explicitly considers the chemical architecture of the polyelectrolytes, their acid-based equilibria and electrostatic and non-electrostatic interactions. In order to accurately predict complex coacervation, the correlations between charged species are incorporated into MOLT as ion-pairing processes, which are modeled using a coupled chemical equilibrium formalism. Very good agreement was observed between the experimental results in the literature and MOLT predictions for the scaling relationships that relate the dimensions of the micelle (aggregation number and sizes of the micelle and the core) to the lengths of the different blocks. MOLT was used to study the disassembly of the micelles when the solution pH is driven away from the value that guarantees the charge stoichiometry of the core. This study reveals that very sharp disassembly transitions can be obtained by tuning the length or architecture of the copolymer component, thereby suggesting potential routes to design C3Ms capable of releasing their components at very precise pH values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Debais
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Inorgánica Analítica y Química Física y CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Química de los Materiales, Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE), Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1428, Argentina.
| | - Leandro L Missoni
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Inorgánica Analítica y Química Física y CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Química de los Materiales, Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE), Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1428, Argentina.
| | - Yamila A Perez Sirkin
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Inorgánica Analítica y Química Física y CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Química de los Materiales, Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE), Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1428, Argentina.
| | - Mario Tagliazucchi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Inorgánica Analítica y Química Física y CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Química de los Materiales, Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE), Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, C1428, Argentina.
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3
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Beliktay G, Shaikh T, Koca E, Cingil HE. Effect of UV Irradiation Time and Headgroup Interactions on the Reversible Colorimetric pH Response of Polydiacetylene Assemblies. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:37213-37224. [PMID: 37841112 PMCID: PMC10568583 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Polydiacetylenes are chromatic conjugated polymers formed upon the photopolymerization of self-assembled diacetylenes. They exhibit conformation-dependent colorimetric responses, usually irreversible, to external triggers. Here, we presented an approach to obtain a reversible colorimetric response to a pH change through structural modifications on the monomer and extended photopolymerization time. Both factors, enhanced hydrogen bond forming headgroups and longer UV exposure, impacted the rotational freedom of polydiacetylene conformation. Such a restricted conformation state reduced colorimetric response efficiency but enabled reversible colorimetric response to a pH change. These results highlight the possibility of obtaining a reversible colorimetric pH response of polydiacetylenes for customized sensing applications through monomer-level tailoring combined with tuning the photopolymerization time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Beliktay
- Sabanci
University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul 34956, Turkiye
| | - Tayyaba Shaikh
- Sabanci
University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Istanbul 34956, Turkiye
| | - Emirhan Koca
- Sabanci
University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Istanbul 34956, Turkiye
| | - Hande E. Cingil
- Sabanci
University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Istanbul 34956, Turkiye
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4
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Sharma C, Samanta A, Schmidt RS, Walther A. DNA-Based Signaling Networks for Transient Colloidal Co-Assemblies. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:17819-17830. [PMID: 37543962 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Programmable chemical circuits inspired by signaling networks in living cells are a promising approach for the development of adaptive and autonomous self-assembling molecular systems and material functions. Progress has been made at the molecular level, but connecting molecular control circuits to self-assembling larger elements such as colloids that enable real-space studies and access to functional materials is sparse and can suffer from kinetic traps, flocculation, or difficult system integration protocols. Herein, we report a toehold-mediated DNA strand displacement reaction network capable of autonomously directing two different microgels into transient and self-regulating co-assemblies. The microgels are functionalized with DNA and become elemental components of the network. The flexibility of the circuit design allows the installation of delay phases or accelerators by chaining additional circuit modules upstream or downstream of the core circuit. The design provides an adaptable and robust route to regulate other building blocks for advanced biomimetic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Sharma
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Avik Samanta
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Ricarda Sophia Schmidt
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Walther
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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5
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Chowdhuri S, Das S, Kushwaha R, Das T, Das BK, Das D. Cumulative Effect of pH and Redox Triggers on Highly Adaptive Transient Coacervates. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202203820. [PMID: 36786201 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202203820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
An intricate synergism between multiple biochemical processes and physical conditions determines the formation and function of various biological self-assemblies. Thus, a complex set of variables dictate the far-from-equilibrium nature of these biological assemblies. Mimicking such systems synthetically is a challenging task. We report multi-stimuli responsive transient coacervation of an aldehyde-appended polymer and a short peptide. The coacervates are formed by the disulphide linkages between the peptide molecules and the imine bond between the polymer and the peptide. Imines are susceptible to pH changes and the disulphide bonds can be tuned by oxidation/reduction processes. Thus, the coacervation is operational only under the combined effect of appropriate pH and oxidative conditions. Taking advantage of these facts, the coacervates are transiently formed under a pH cycle (urea-urease/gluconolactone) and a non-equilibrium redox cycle (TCEP/H2 O2 ). Importantly, the system showed high adaptability toward environmental changes. The transient existence of the coacervates can be generated without any apparent change in size and shape within the same system through the sequential application of the above-mentioned nonequilibrium reaction cycles. Additionally, the coacervation allows for efficient encapsulation/stabilisation of proteins. Thus, the system has the potential to be used for protein/drug delivery purposes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Chowdhuri
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Saurav Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Ritvika Kushwaha
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Tanushree Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Basab Kanti Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Debapratim Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
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6
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Sharma C, Maity I, Walther A. pH-feedback systems to program autonomous self-assembly and material lifecycles. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:1125-1144. [PMID: 36629372 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc06402b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
pH-responsive systems have gained importance for the development of smart materials and for biomedical applications because they can switch between different states by simple acid/base triggers. However, such equilibrium systems lack the autonomous behaviour that is so ubiquitous in living systems that self-regulate out of equilibrium. As a contribution to the emerging field of autonomous chemical systems, we have developed pH-feedback systems (pH-FS) based on the coupling of acid- and base-producing steps in chemical reaction networks. The resulting autonomous nonlinear pH curves can be coupled with a variety of pH-sensitive building blocks to program the lifecycles of the associated transient state at the level of self-assemblies and material systems. In this article, we discuss the different generations of such pH-feedback systems, the principles of their coupling to self-assemblies with lifecycles and highlight emerging concepts for the design of autonomous functional materials. The specificity, robustness, and flexible operation of such pH-FS can also be used to realize chemo-structural and chemo-mechanical feedbacks that extend the behaviour of such materials systems toward complex and functional life-like systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Sharma
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Indrajit Maity
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Andreas Walther
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
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7
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Lewis RW, Klemm B, Macchione M, Eelkema R. Fuel-driven macromolecular coacervation in complex coacervate core micelles. Chem Sci 2022; 13:4533-4544. [PMID: 35656128 PMCID: PMC9019912 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc00805j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fuel-driven macromolecular coacervation is an entry into the transient formation of highly charged, responsive material phases. In this work, we used a chemical reaction network (CRN) to drive the coacervation of macromolecular species readily produced using radical polymerisation methods. The CRN enables transient quaternization of tertiary amine substrates, driven by the conversion of electron deficient allyl acetates and thiol or amine nucleophiles. By incorporating tertiary amine functionality into block copolymers, we demonstrate chemical triggered complex coacervate core micelle (C3M) assembly and disassembly. In contrast to most dynamic coacervate systems, this CRN operates at constant physiological pH without the need for complex biomolecules. By varying the allyl acetate fuel, deactivating nucleophile and reagent ratios, we achieved both sequential signal-induced C3M (dis)assembly, as well as transient non-equilibrium (dis)assembly. We expect that timed and signal-responsive control over coacervate phase formation at physiological pH will find application in nucleic acid delivery, nano reactors and protocell research. We apply an allyl acetate fuelled chemical reaction network (CRN) to control the coacervation of macromolecular species at constant physiological pH without the need for complex biomolecules.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Reece W Lewis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology Van der Maasweg 9 2629 HZ Delft The Netherlands
| | - Benjamin Klemm
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology Van der Maasweg 9 2629 HZ Delft The Netherlands
| | - Mariano Macchione
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology Van der Maasweg 9 2629 HZ Delft The Netherlands
| | - Rienk Eelkema
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology Van der Maasweg 9 2629 HZ Delft The Netherlands
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8
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Mariottini D, Del Giudice D, Ercolani G, Di Stefano S, Ricci F. Dissipative operation of pH-responsive DNA-based nanodevices. Chem Sci 2021; 12:11735-11739. [PMID: 34659709 PMCID: PMC8442697 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc03435a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We demonstrate here the use of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-cyanopropanoic acid (CPA) and nitroacetic acid (NAA) as convenient chemical fuels to drive the dissipative operation of DNA-based nanodevices. Addition of either of the fuel acids to a water solution initially causes a rapid transient pH decrease, which is then followed by a slower pH increase. We have employed such low-to-high pH cycles to control in a dissipative way the operation of two model DNA-based nanodevices: a DNA nanoswitch undergoing time-programmable open–close–open cycles of motion, and a DNA-based receptor able to release-uptake a DNA cargo strand. The kinetics of the transient operation of both systems can be easily modulated by varying the concentration of the acid fuel added to the solution and both acid fuels show an efficient reversibility which further supports their versatility. We demonstrate here the use of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-cyanopropanoic acid (CPA) and nitroacetic acid (NAA) as convenient chemical fuels to drive the dissipative operation of DNA-based nanodevices.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Mariottini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università di Roma Tor Vergata Via della Ricerca Scientifica 00133 Roma Italy
| | - Daniele Del Giudice
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Roma La Sapienza, ISB-CNR Sede Secondaria di Roma-Meccanismi di Reazione P.le A. Moro 5 00185 Roma Italy
| | - Gianfranco Ercolani
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università di Roma Tor Vergata Via della Ricerca Scientifica 00133 Roma Italy
| | - Stefano Di Stefano
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Roma La Sapienza, ISB-CNR Sede Secondaria di Roma-Meccanismi di Reazione P.le A. Moro 5 00185 Roma Italy
| | - Francesco Ricci
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università di Roma Tor Vergata Via della Ricerca Scientifica 00133 Roma Italy
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9
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Panja S, Adams DJ. Stimuli responsive dynamic transformations in supramolecular gels. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:5165-5200. [PMID: 33646219 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01166e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Supramolecular gels are formed by the self-assembly of small molecules under the influence of various non-covalent interactions. As the interactions are individually weak and reversible, it is possible to perturb the gels easily, which in turn enables fine tuning of their properties. Synthetic supramolecular gels are kinetically trapped and usually do not show time variable changes in material properties after formation. However, such materials potentially become switchable when exposed to external stimuli like temperature, pH, light, enzyme, redox, and chemical analytes resulting in reconfiguration of gel matrix into a different type of network. Such transformations allow gel-to-gel transitions while the changes in the molecular aggregation result in alteration of physical and chemical properties of the gel with time. Here, we discuss various methods that have been used to achieve gel-to-gel transitions by modifying a pre-formed gel material through external perturbation. We also describe methods that allow time-dependent autonomous switching of gels into different networks enabling synthesis of next generation functional materials. Dynamic modification of gels allows construction of an array of supramolecular gels with various properties from a single material which eventually extend the limit of applications of the gels. In some cases, gel-to-gel transitions lead to materials that cannot be accessed directly. Finally, we point out the necessity and possibility of further exploration of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santanu Panja
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Dave J Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
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10
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Del Giudice D, Spatola E, Valentini M, Bombelli C, Ercolani G, Di Stefano S. Time-programmable pH: decarboxylation of nitroacetic acid allows the time-controlled rising of pH to a definite value. Chem Sci 2021; 12:7460-7466. [PMID: 34163836 PMCID: PMC8171335 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc01196k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In this report it is shown that nitroacetic acid 1 (O2NCH2CO2H) can be conveniently used to control the pH of a water solution over time. Time-programmable sequences of the kind pH1(high)-pH2(low)-pH3(high) can be achieved, where both the extent of the initial pH jump (pH1(high)-pH2(low)) and the time required for the subsequent pH rising (pH2(low)-pH3(high)) can be predictably controlled by a judicious choice of the absolute and relative concentrations of the reagents (acid 1 and NaOH). Successive pH1(high)-pH2(low)-pH3(high) sequences can be obtained by subsequent additions of acid 1. As a proof of concept, the method is applied to control over time the pH-dependent host-guest interaction between alpha-cyclodextrin and p-aminobenzoic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Del Giudice
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza" P.le A. Moro 5 I-00185 Rome Italy
- ISB-CNR Sede Secondaria di Roma - Meccanismi di Reazione c/o Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza" P.le A. Moro 5 I-00185 Rome Italy
| | - Emanuele Spatola
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza" P.le A. Moro 5 I-00185 Rome Italy
- ISB-CNR Sede Secondaria di Roma - Meccanismi di Reazione c/o Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza" P.le A. Moro 5 I-00185 Rome Italy
| | - Matteo Valentini
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza" P.le A. Moro 5 I-00185 Rome Italy
| | - Cecilia Bombelli
- ISB-CNR Sede Secondaria di Roma - Meccanismi di Reazione c/o Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza" P.le A. Moro 5 I-00185 Rome Italy
| | - Gianfranco Ercolani
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università di Roma Tor Vergata Via della Ricerca Scientifica 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Stefano Di Stefano
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza" P.le A. Moro 5 I-00185 Rome Italy
- ISB-CNR Sede Secondaria di Roma - Meccanismi di Reazione c/o Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza" P.le A. Moro 5 I-00185 Rome Italy
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11
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Panja S, Dietrich B, Shebanova O, Smith AJ, Adams DJ. Programming Gels Over a Wide pH Range Using Multicomponent Systems. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202101247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Santanu Panja
- School of Chemistry University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
| | - Bart Dietrich
- School of Chemistry University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
| | - Olga Shebanova
- Diamond Light Source Ltd. Diamond House Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot Oxfordshire OX11 0DE UK
| | - Andrew J. Smith
- Diamond Light Source Ltd. Diamond House Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot Oxfordshire OX11 0DE UK
| | - Dave J. Adams
- School of Chemistry University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
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12
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Panja S, Dietrich B, Shebanova O, Smith AJ, Adams DJ. Programming Gels Over a Wide pH Range Using Multicomponent Systems. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:9973-9977. [PMID: 33605524 PMCID: PMC8252051 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202101247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Multicomponent hydrogels offer a tremendous opportunity for preparing useful and exciting materials that cannot be accessed using a single component. Here, we describe an unusual multi‐component low‐molecular weight gelling system that exhibits pH‐responsive behavior involving cooperative hydrogen bonding between the components, allowing it to maintain a gel phase across a wide pH range. Unlike traditional acid‐triggered gels, our system undergoes a change in the underlying molecular packing and maintains the β‐sheet structure both at acidic and basic pH. We further establish that autonomous programming between these two gel states is possible by an enzymatic reaction which allows us to prepare gels with improved mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santanu Panja
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Bart Dietrich
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Olga Shebanova
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Diamond House, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0DE, UK
| | - Andrew J Smith
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Diamond House, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0DE, UK
| | - Dave J Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
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13
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Sproncken CM, Magana JR, Voets IK. 100th Anniversary of Macromolecular Science Viewpoint: Attractive Soft Matter: Association Kinetics, Dynamics, and Pathway Complexity in Electrostatically Coassembled Micelles. ACS Macro Lett 2021; 10:167-179. [PMID: 33628618 PMCID: PMC7894791 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.0c00787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Electrostatically coassembled micelles constitute a versatile class of functional soft materials with broad application potential as, for example, encapsulation agents for nanomedicine and nanoreactors for gels and inorganic particles. The nanostructures that form upon the mixing of selected oppositely charged (block co)polymers and other ionic species greatly depend on the chemical structure and physicochemical properties of the micellar building blocks, such as charge density, block length (ratio), and hydrophobicity. Nearly three decades of research since the introduction of this new class of polymer micelles shed significant light on the structure and properties of the steady-state association colloids. Dynamics and out-of-equilibrium processes, such as (dis)assembly pathways, exchange kinetics of the micellar constituents, and reaction-assembly networks, have steadily gained more attention. We foresee that the broadened scope will contribute toward the design and preparation of otherwise unattainable structures with emergent functionalities and properties. This Viewpoint focuses on current efforts to study such dynamic and out-of-equilibrium processes with greater spatiotemporal detail. We highlight different approaches and discuss how they reveal and rationalize similarities and differences in the behavior of mixed micelles prepared under various conditions and from different polymeric building blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian
C. M. Sproncken
- Laboratory of Self-Organizing
Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and
Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - J. Rodrigo Magana
- Laboratory of Self-Organizing
Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and
Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ilja K. Voets
- Laboratory of Self-Organizing
Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and
Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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14
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Timmers EM, Magana JR, Schoenmakers SMC, Fransen PM, Janssen HM, Voets IK. Sequence of Polyurethane Ionomers Determinative for Core Structure of Surfactant-Copolymer Complexes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E337. [PMID: 33396960 PMCID: PMC7795199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The core of micelles self-assembled from amphiphiles is hydrophobic and contains little water, whereas complex coacervate core micelles co-assembled from oppositely charged hydrophilic polymers have a hydrophilic core with a high water content. Co-assembly of ionic surfactants with ionic-neutral copolymers yields surfactant-copolymer complexes known to be capable of solubilizing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic cargo within the mixed core composed of a coacervate phase with polyelectrolyte-decorated surfactant micelles. Here we formed such complexes from asymmetric (PUI-A2) and symmetric (PUI-S2), sequence-controlled polyurethane ionomers and poly(N-methyl-2-vinylpyridinium iodide)29-b-poly(ethylene oxide)204 copolymers. The complexes with PUI-S2 were 1.3-fold larger in mass and 1.8-fold larger in radius of gyration than the PUI-A2 complexes. Small-angle X-ray scattering revealed differences in the packing of the similarly sized PUI micelles within the core of the complexes. The PUI-A2 micelles were arranged in a more ordered fashion and were spaced further apart from each other (10 nm vs. 6 nm) than the PUI-S2 micelles. Hence, this work shows that the monomer sequence of amphiphiles can be varied to alter the internal structure of surfactant-copolymer complexes. Since the structure of the micellar core may affect both the cargo loading and release, our findings suggest that these properties may be tuned through control of the monomer sequence of the micellar constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Timmers
- Laboratory of Self-Organizing Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (E.M.T.); (J.R.M.)
- Laboratory of Macro-Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jose Rodrigo Magana
- Laboratory of Self-Organizing Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (E.M.T.); (J.R.M.)
- Laboratory of Macro-Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra M. C. Schoenmakers
- Laboratory of Macro-Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - P. Michel Fransen
- SyMO-Chem B.V., Den Dolech 2, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (P.M.F.); (H.M.J.)
| | - Henk M. Janssen
- SyMO-Chem B.V., Den Dolech 2, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (P.M.F.); (H.M.J.)
| | - Ilja K. Voets
- Laboratory of Self-Organizing Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (E.M.T.); (J.R.M.)
- Laboratory of Macro-Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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15
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Leng Z, Peng F, Hao X. Chemical-Fuel-Driven Assembly in Macromolecular Science: Recent Advances and Challenges. Chempluschem 2020; 85:1190-1199. [PMID: 32584522 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202000192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, chemical-fuel-driven processes have been integrated with synthetic self-assembled systems, in which both the formation and properties can be carefully controlled. This strategy can drive systems far away from equilibrium, tailor the lifetime window of transient self-assembled systems, thus holding promise for future smart, adaptive, self-regulated, and life-like systems. By judging whether the building blocks or transient self-assembled systems participate in the fuel-to-waste conversion, the reported systems can be divided into two classes: dissipative self-assembly and self-assembly under dissipative conditions. Among these systems, the utilization of macromolecular building blocks to design non-equilibrium self-assemblied systems is becoming common. Macromolecular systems capable of dissipating energy with a programmed time domain have found widespread application, and have therefore been an active field of scientific inquiry. This Minireview aims to highlight the recent progress and opportunities of chemical-fuel-driven assembly in macromolecules. We envision that chemical-fuel-driven approach will play an increasingly important role in polymer science in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZeJian Leng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
| | - Feng Peng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Hao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
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16
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Donau C, Späth F, Sosson M, Kriebisch BAK, Schnitter F, Tena-Solsona M, Kang HS, Salibi E, Sattler M, Mutschler H, Boekhoven J. Active coacervate droplets as a model for membraneless organelles and protocells. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5167. [PMID: 33056997 PMCID: PMC7560875 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18815-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Membraneless organelles like stress granules are active liquid-liquid phase-separated droplets that are involved in many intracellular processes. Their active and dynamic behavior is often regulated by ATP-dependent reactions. However, how exactly membraneless organelles control their dynamic composition remains poorly understood. Herein, we present a model for membraneless organelles based on RNA-containing active coacervate droplets regulated by a fuel-driven reaction cycle. These droplets emerge when fuel is present, but decay without. Moreover, we find these droplets can transiently up-concentrate functional RNA which remains in its active folded state inside the droplets. Finally, we show that in their pathway towards decay, these droplets break apart in multiple droplet fragments. Emergence, decay, rapid exchange of building blocks, and functionality are all hallmarks of membrane-less organelles, and we believe that our work could be powerful as a model to study such organelles. Membraneless organelles are liquid-liquid phase-separated droplets whose behaviour can be regulated by chemical reactions, but this process is poorly understood. Here, the authors report model membraneless organelles based on coacervate droplets that show fuel-driven dynamic behaviour and concentrate functional RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Donau
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Fabian Späth
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Marilyne Sosson
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Brigitte A K Kriebisch
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Fabian Schnitter
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Marta Tena-Solsona
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany.,Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 2a, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Hyun-Seo Kang
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany.,Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Elia Salibi
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Michael Sattler
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany.,Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Hannes Mutschler
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Job Boekhoven
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748, Garching, Germany. .,Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstrasse 2a, 85748, Garching, Germany.
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17
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Magana JR, Sproncken CCM, Voets IK. On Complex Coacervate Core Micelles: Structure-Function Perspectives. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1953. [PMID: 32872312 PMCID: PMC7565781 DOI: 10.3390/polym12091953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The co-assembly of ionic-neutral block copolymers with oppositely charged species produces nanometric colloidal complexes, known, among other names, as complex coacervates core micelles (C3Ms). C3Ms are of widespread interest in nanomedicine for controlled delivery and release, whilst research activity into other application areas, such as gelation, catalysis, nanoparticle synthesis, and sensing, is increasing. In this review, we discuss recent studies on the functional roles that C3Ms can fulfil in these and other fields, focusing on emerging structure-function relations and remaining knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ilja K. Voets
- Laboratory of Self-Organizing Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (J.R.M.); (C.C.M.S.)
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18
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Panja S, Fuentes-Caparrós AM, Cross ER, Cavalcanti L, Adams DJ. Annealing Supramolecular Gels by a Reaction Relay. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2020; 32:5264-5271. [PMID: 32595268 PMCID: PMC7315816 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.0c01483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Supramolecular gels have potential in many areas. In many cases, a major drawback is that the gels are formed at a high rate. As a result, nonoptimal, kinetically trapped self-assembled structures are often formed, leading to gels that can be hard to reproduce and control. One method to get around kinetic trapping is annealing. Thermal annealing is one possibility, but it is not always desirable to heat the gels. Here, we describe a method to anneal pH-triggered gels after they are formed. We employ a reaction relay in a peptide-based hydrogel system to anneal the structures by a controlled and uniform pH change. Our method allows us to prepare gels with more controlled properties. We show that this can be used to enable homogeneous "molding and casting" of the hydrogels. This method of annealing is more effective in improving gel robustness than a conventional heat-cool cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santanu Panja
- School
of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
| | | | - Emily R. Cross
- School
of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
| | - Leide Cavalcanti
- ISIS
Pulsed Neutron Source, Rutherford Appleton
Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0QX, U.K.
| | - Dave J. Adams
- School
of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
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19
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Sproncken CCM, Gumí‐Audenis B, Panzarasa G, Voets IK. Two‐Stage Polyelectrolyte Assembly Orchestrated by a Clock Reaction. CHEMSYSTEMSCHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/syst.202000005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian C M. Sproncken
- Laboratory of Self-Organizing Soft Matter and Laboratory of Macro-Organic Chemistry Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 516 5600 MB Eindhoven (The Netherlands
| | - Berta Gumí‐Audenis
- Laboratory of Self-Organizing Soft Matter and Laboratory of Macro-Organic Chemistry Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 516 5600 MB Eindhoven (The Netherlands
| | - Guido Panzarasa
- Laboratory of Soft and Living Materials Department of Materials ETH Zürich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1–5/10 Zürich 8093 Switzerland
| | - Ilja K. Voets
- Laboratory of Self-Organizing Soft Matter and Laboratory of Macro-Organic Chemistry Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 516 5600 MB Eindhoven (The Netherlands
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20
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Panzarasa G, Torzynski AL, Sai T, Smith-Mannschott K, Dufresne ER. Transient supramolecular assembly of a functional perylene diimide controlled by a programmable pH cycle. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:591-594. [PMID: 31859330 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm02026h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Self-regulating materials require embedded control systems. Active networks of enzymes fulfill this function in living organisms, and the development of chemical controls for synthetic systems is still in its infancy. While previous work has focused on enzymatic controls, small-molecule networks have unexplored potential. We describe a simple small-molecule network that is able to produce transient pH cycles with tunable lagtimes and lifetimes, based on coupling the acid-to-alkali methylene glycol-sulfite reaction to 1,3-propanesultone, a slow acid generator. Applied to transient pH-driven supramolecular self-assembly of a perylene diimide, our system matches the flexibility of in vitro enzymatic systems, including the ability to perform repeated cycles of assembly and disassembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Panzarasa
- Laboratory of Soft and Living Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
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21
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KNCV‐Goldmedaille: I. K. Voets / SBIC‐Nachwuchspreis: A. Dey / Malcolm‐McIntosh‐Preis:E. J. New / ICS‐Nachwuchspreis:C. E. Diesendruck. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201913486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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22
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KNCV Gold Medal: I. K. Voets / SBIC Early Career Award: A. Dey / Malcolm McIntosh Prize: E. J. New / ICS Excellent Young Scientist Prize:C. E. Diesendruck. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 58:18322. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201913486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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23
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Panja S, Patterson C, Adams DJ. Temporally-Programmed Transient Supramolecular Gels. Macromol Rapid Commun 2019; 40:e1900251. [PMID: 31162773 DOI: 10.1002/marc.201900251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In living systems, self-assembly processes are driven by the consumption of chemical fuels. Synthetic adaptation of living systems can be achieved by coupling of competing pathways that drive the assembly and disassembly, respectively, under the influence of chemical fuels. Here, a pH-responsive transient gel system is created by simultaneous incorporation of two triggers, of which one is responsible for the initiation of the self-assembly by increasing the pH and the second trigger drives the disassembly by reducing the pH. This method allows us to prepare transient gels with a high degree of control over the self-assembly lifetime as well as the mechanical properties of the transient gels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santanu Panja
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | | | - Dave J Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
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