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Proietti G, Axelsson A, Capezza AJ, Todarwal Y, Kuzmin J, Linares M, Norman P, Szabó Z, Lendel C, Olsson RT, Dinér P. Ultralight aerogels via supramolecular polymerization of a new chiral perfluoropyridine-based sulfonimidamide organogelator. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:7603-7611. [PMID: 38512219 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr06460c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Chiral and enantiopure perfluorinated sulfonimidamides act as low-molecular weight gelators at low critical gelation concentration (<1 mg mL-1) via supramolecular polymerization in nonpolar organic solvents and more heterogenic mixtures, such as biodiesel and oil. Freeze-drying of the organogel leads to ultralight aerogel with extremely low density (1 mg mL-1). The gelation is driven by hydrogen bonding resulting in a helical molecular ordering and unique fibre assemblies as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, CD spectroscopy, and computational modeling of the supramolecular structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giampiero Proietti
- Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Anton Axelsson
- Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Antonio J Capezza
- Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yogesh Todarwal
- Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Julius Kuzmin
- Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Mathieu Linares
- PDC Center for High Performance Computing, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Patrick Norman
- Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Zoltán Szabó
- Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Christofer Lendel
- Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Richard T Olsson
- Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Dinér
- Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden.
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2
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Jones C, Kershaw Cook LJ, Slater AG, Yufit DS, Steed JW. Scrolling in Supramolecular Gels: A Designer's Guide. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2024; 36:2799-2809. [PMID: 38558920 PMCID: PMC10976645 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c03013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Gelation by small molecules is a topic of enormous importance in catalysis, nanomaterials, drug delivery, and pharmaceutical crystallization. The mechanism by which gelators self-organize into a fibrous gel network is poorly understood. Herein, we describe the crystal structures and gelation properties of a library of bis(urea) compounds and show, via molecular dynamics simulations, how gelator aggregation progresses from a continuous pattern of supramolecular motifs to a homogeneous fiber network. Our model suggests that lamellae with asymmetric surfaces scroll into uniform unbranched fibrils, while sheets with symmetric surfaces undergo stacking to form crystals. The self-assembly of asymmetric lamellae is associated with specific molecular features, such as the presence of narrow and flexible end groups with high packing densities, and likely represents a general mechanism for the formation of small-molecule gels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laurence J. Kershaw Cook
- Department
of Chemistry and Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | - Anna G. Slater
- Department
of Chemistry and Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | - Dmitry S. Yufit
- Department
of Chemistry, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, U.K.
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3
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Sonani RR, Bianco S, Dietrich B, Doutch J, Draper ER, Adams DJ, Egelman EH. Atomic structures of naphthalene dipeptide micelles unravel mechanisms of assembly and gelation. CELL REPORTS. PHYSICAL SCIENCE 2024; 5:101812. [PMID: 38464674 PMCID: PMC10922087 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2024.101812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Peptide-based biopolymers have gained increasing attention due to their versatile applications. A naphthalene dipeptide (2NapFF) can form chirality-dependent tubular micelles, leading to supramolecular gels. The precise molecular arrangement within these micelles and the mechanism governing gelation have remained enigmatic. We determined, at near-atomic resolution, cryoelectron microscopy structures of the 2NapFF micelles LL-tube and LD-tube, generated by the stereoisomers (l,l)-2NapFF and (l,d)-2NapFF, respectively. The structures reveal that the fundamental packing of dipeptides is driven by the systematic π-π stacking of aromatic rings and that same-charge repulsion between the carbonyl groups is responsible for the stiffness of both tubes. The structural analysis elucidates how a single residue's altered chirality gives rise to markedly distinct tubular structures and sheds light on the mechanisms underlying the pH-dependent gelation of LL- and LD-tubes. The understanding of dipeptide packing and gelation mechanisms provides insights for the rational design of 2NapFF derivatives, enabling the modulation of micellar dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi R. Sonani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Simona Bianco
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK
| | - Bart Dietrich
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK
| | - James Doutch
- ISIS Pulsed Neutron and Muon Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OX11 0QX Didcot, UK
| | - Emily R. Draper
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK
| | - Dave J. Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK
| | - Edward H. Egelman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Lead contact
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4
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Chevigny R, Rahkola H, Sitsanidis ED, Korhonen E, Hiscock JR, Pettersson M, Nissinen M. Solvent-Induced Transient Self-Assembly of Peptide Gels: Gelator-Solvent Reactions and Material Properties Correlation. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2024; 36:407-416. [PMID: 38222938 PMCID: PMC10782441 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c02327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Herein, we introduce a new methodology for designing transient organogels that offers tunability of the mechanical properties simply by matching the protective groups of the precursor to that of the solvent. We developed solvent-induced transient materials in which the solvent chemically participates in a set of reactions and actively supports the assembly event. The activation of a single precursor by an acid (accelerator) yields the formation of two distinct gelators and induces gelation. The interconversion cycle is supplied by the secondary solvent (originating from hydrolysis of the primary solvent by the accelerator), which then progressively solubilizes the gel network. We show that this gelation method offers a direct correlation between the mechanical and transient properties by modifying the chemical structure of the precursors and the presence of an accelerator in the system. Such a method paves the way for the design of self-abolishing and mechanically tunable materials for targeted purposes. The biocompatibility and versatility of amino acid-based gelators can offer a wide range of biomaterials for applications requiring a controllable and definite lifetime such as drug delivery platforms exhibiting a burst release or self-abolishing cell culture substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Chevigny
- Department
of Chemistry, Nanoscience Center, University
of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Henna Rahkola
- Department
of Chemistry, Nanoscience Center, University
of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Efstratios D. Sitsanidis
- Department
of Chemistry, Nanoscience Center, University
of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Elsa Korhonen
- Department
of Chemistry, Nanoscience Center, University
of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jennifer R. Hiscock
- School
of Physical Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NH, U.K.
| | - Mika Pettersson
- Department
of Chemistry, Nanoscience Center, University
of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Maija Nissinen
- Department
of Chemistry, Nanoscience Center, University
of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
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5
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Draper ER, Adams DJ. Controlling supramolecular gels. NATURE MATERIALS 2024; 23:13-15. [PMID: 38172550 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-023-01765-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Draper
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Dave J Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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6
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Zemke F, Scoppola E, Simon U, Bekheet MF, Wagermaier W, Gurlo A. Springback effect of ambient-pressure-dried silica aerogels: nanoscopic effects of silylation revealed by in situ synchrotron X-ray scattering. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 6:111-125. [PMID: 38125596 PMCID: PMC10729877 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00584d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Ambient pressure drying (APD) allows for synthesizing aerogels without expensive and sophisticated equipment for achieving supercritical conditions. Since APD does not eliminate the capillary stress that is induced by the liquid/vapour phase boundary, the shrinkage during drying needs to be prevented or reversed. The re-expansion of the silylated silica gels during drying is commonly referred to as the springback effect (SBE). The SBE is not only important for producing aerogels via APD, but is also a fascinating phenomenon, since it is accompanied by a significant volume change unusual for rigid ceramics. Synchrotron X-ray scattering has proven to be especially effective for the investigation of the volume change of these fractal silica structures on different length scales. In this work, we follow the drying, shrinkage, and (partial) re-expansion of various monolithic samples in situ to explore the occurrence of the SBE. For this purpose, various silylation agents, i.e., hexamethyldisilazane, trimethylchlorosilane, and triethylchlorosilane were used to investigate different shrinkage and re-expansion behavior. A scattering model was used to extract additional information of the evolving primary particle size, correlation length, fractal dimension, and other intensity contributions of the silica network and the hexane. While the primary particles pointed towards a relaxation at near molecular size, they were likely not involved in the SBE. However, structures near the size of the correlation length could be essential for the occurrence of this phenomenon. These findings may lead to the origin of this interesting phenomenon, as well as a better understanding of the production of APD aerogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Zemke
- Technische Universität Berlin, Faculty III Process Sciences, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, Chair of Advanced Ceramic Materials Straße des 17. Juni 135 10623 Berlin Germany https://www.tu.berlin/ceramics +49 30 314 22653
| | - Ernesto Scoppola
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces Am Mühlenberg 1 14476 Potsdam Germany https://www.mpikg.mpg.de/biomaterials +49 331 567 9259
| | - Ulla Simon
- Technische Universität Berlin, Faculty III Process Sciences, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, Chair of Advanced Ceramic Materials Straße des 17. Juni 135 10623 Berlin Germany https://www.tu.berlin/ceramics +49 30 314 22653
| | - Maged F Bekheet
- Technische Universität Berlin, Faculty III Process Sciences, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, Chair of Advanced Ceramic Materials Straße des 17. Juni 135 10623 Berlin Germany https://www.tu.berlin/ceramics +49 30 314 22653
| | - Wolfgang Wagermaier
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces Am Mühlenberg 1 14476 Potsdam Germany https://www.mpikg.mpg.de/biomaterials +49 331 567 9259
| | - Aleksander Gurlo
- Technische Universität Berlin, Faculty III Process Sciences, Institute of Materials Science and Technology, Chair of Advanced Ceramic Materials Straße des 17. Juni 135 10623 Berlin Germany https://www.tu.berlin/ceramics +49 30 314 22653
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Hansda B, Mondal B, Hazra S, Das KS, Castelletto V, Hamley IW, Banerjee A. Effect of molar ratio and concentration on the rheological properties of two-component supramolecular hydrogels: tuning of the morphological and drug releasing behaviour. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:8264-8273. [PMID: 37869972 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00883e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembled supramolecular hydrogels offer great potential as biomaterials and drug delivery systems. Specifically, peptide-based multicomponent hydrogels are promising materials due to their advantage that their mechanical and physical properties can be tuned to enhance their functionalities and broaden their applications. Herein, we report two-component assembly and formation of hydrogels containing inexpensive complementary anionic, BUVV-OH (A), and cationic, KFFC12 (B), peptide amphiphiles. Individually, neither of these components formed a hydrogel, while mixtures with compositions 1 : 1, 1 : 2, and 2 : 1 (molar ratio) as A : B show hydrogel formation (Milli-Q water, at pH = 6.79). These hydrogels displayed a good shear-thinning behaviour with different mechanical stabilities and nano-fibrous network structures. The 1 : 1 hydrogel shows good cell viability for human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells and CHO cells indicating its non-cytotoxicity. The biocompatible, thixotropic 1 : 1 hydrogel with a nanofiber network structure shows the highest mechanical strength with a storage modulus of 3.4 × 103 Pa. The hydrogel is able to encapsulate drugs including antibiotics amoxicillin and rifampicin, and anticancer drug doxorubicin, and it exhibits sustainable release of 76%, 70%, and 81% respectively in vitro after 3 days. The other two mixtures (composition 1 : 2 and 2 : 1) are unable to form a hydrogel when they are loaded with these drugs. Interestingly, it is noticed that with an increase in concentration, the mechanical strength of a 1 : 1 hydrogel is significantly enhanced, showing potential that may act as a scaffold for tissue engineering. The two-component gel offers tunable mechanical properties, thixotropy, injectability, and biocompatibility and has great potential as a scaffold for sustained drug release and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswanath Hansda
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India.
| | - Biplab Mondal
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India.
| | - Soumyajit Hazra
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India.
| | - Krishna Sundar Das
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India
| | | | - Ian W Hamley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AD, UK
| | - Arindam Banerjee
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India.
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8
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Hill MJ, Fuentes-Caparrós AM, Adams DJ. Effect of Imposing Spatial Constraints on Low Molecular Weight Gels. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:4253-4262. [PMID: 37595056 PMCID: PMC10498449 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
We outline the effect of imposing spatial constraints during gelation on hydrogels formed by dipeptide-based low molecular weight gelators. The gels were formed via either a solvent switch or a change in pH and formed in different sized vessels to produce gels of different thickness while maintaining the same volume. The different methods of gelation led to gels with different underlying microstructure. Confocal microscopy was used to visualize the resulting microstructures, while the corresponding mechanical properties were probed via cavitation rheology. We show that solvent-switch-triggered gels are sensitive to imposed spatial constraints, in both altered microstructure and mechanical properties, while their pH-triggered equivalents are not. These results are significant because it is often necessary to form gels of different thicknesses for different analytical techniques. Also, gels of different thicknesses are utilized between various applications of these materials. Our data show that it is important to consider the spatial constraints imposed in these situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max J.
S. Hill
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
| | | | - Dave J. Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
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9
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Hamley IW. Self-Assembly, Bioactivity, and Nanomaterials Applications of Peptide Conjugates with Bulky Aromatic Terminal Groups. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:384-409. [PMID: 36735801 PMCID: PMC9945136 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c01041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The self-assembly and structural and functional properties of peptide conjugates containing bulky terminal aromatic substituents are reviewed with a particular focus on bioactivity. Terminal moieties include Fmoc [fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl], naphthalene, pyrene, naproxen, diimides of naphthalene or pyrene, and others. These provide a driving force for self-assembly due to π-stacking and hydrophobic interactions, in addition to the hydrogen bonding, electrostatic, and other forces between short peptides. The balance of these interactions leads to a propensity to self-assembly, even for conjugates to single amino acids. The hybrid molecules often form hydrogels built from a network of β-sheet fibrils. The properties of these as biomaterials to support cell culture, or in the development of molecules that can assemble in cells (in response to cellular enzymes, or otherwise) with a range of fascinating bioactivities such as anticancer or antimicrobial activity, are highlighted. In addition, applications of hydrogels as slow-release drug delivery systems and in catalysis and other applications are discussed. The aromatic nature of the substituents also provides a diversity of interesting optoelectronic properties that have been demonstrated in the literature, and an overview of this is also provided. Also discussed are coassembly and enzyme-instructed self-assembly which enable precise tuning and (stimulus-responsive) functionalization of peptide nanostructures.
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10
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Stimuli-Responsive Properties of Supramolecular Gels Based on Pyridyl- N-oxide Amides. Gels 2023; 9:gels9020089. [PMID: 36826259 PMCID: PMC9956205 DOI: 10.3390/gels9020089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The nature of functional groups and their relative position and orientation play an important role in tuning the gelation properties of stimuli-responsive supramolecular gels. In this work, we synthesized and characterized mono-/bis-pyridyl-N-oxide compounds of N-(4-pyridyl)nicotinamide (L1-L3). The gelation properties of these N-oxide compounds were compared with the reported isomeric counterpart mono-/bis-pyridyl-N-oxide compounds of N-(4-pyridyl)isonicotinamide. Hydrogels obtained with L1 and L3 were thermally and mechanically more stable than the corresponding isomeric counterparts. The surface morphology of the xerogels of di-N-oxides (L3 and diNO) obtained from the water was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which revealed that the relative position of N-oxide moieties did not have a prominent effect on the gel morphology. The solid-state structural analysis was performed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction to understand the key mechanism in gel formation. The versatile nature of N-oxide moieties makes these gels highly responsive toward an external stimulus, and the stimuli-responsive behavior of the gels in water and aqueous mixtures was studied in the presence of various salts. We studied the effect of various salts on the gelation behavior of the hydrogels, and the results indicated that the salts could induce gelation in L1 and L3 below the minimum gelator concentration of the gelators. The mechanical properties were evaluated by rheological experiments, indicating that the modified compounds displayed enhanced gel strength in most cases. Interestingly, cadmium chloride formed supergelator at a very low concentration (0.7 wt% of L3), and robust hydrogels were obtained at higher concentrations of L3. These results show that the relative position of N-oxide moieties is crucial for the effective interaction of the gelator with salts/ions resulting in LMWGs with tunable properties.
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Grover G, Brothers AB, Weiss RG. Molecular and Aggregate Structural, Thermal, Mechanical and Photophysical Properties of Long-Chain Amide Gelators Containing an α-Diketo Group in the Presence or Absence of a Tertiary Amine Group. Gels 2022; 9:gels9010036. [PMID: 36661803 PMCID: PMC9857964 DOI: 10.3390/gels9010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Three structurally related gelators, each containing octadecyl chains, an α-diketo group at the 9,10 positions, and each with a different N-amide group-isobutyl (DIBA), isopentyl (DIPA) or N-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl) (DMEA)-have been synthesized. Their neat structures as well as the thermal mechanical, and photophysical properties in their gel states with various liquids have been investigated. The gelator networks of DIBA and DIPA in octane, hexylbenzene and silicone oil consist of bundles of fibers. These gels are partially thixotropic and mechanically, thermally (to above their melting or silicone oil gelation temperatures), and photophysically stable. They are mechanically and thermally stronger than the gels formed with DMEA, the gelator with a tertiary amine group. The lone pair of electrons of the tertiary amine group leads to an intra-molecular or inter-molecular charge-transfer interaction, depending on whether the sample is a solution, sol, or gel. Neat, solid DMEA does not undergo the charge-transfer process because its amino and diketo groups are separated spatially by a large distance in the crystalline state and cannot diffuse into proximity. However, the solution of DIPA upon the addition of triethylamine becomes unstable over time at room temperature in the dark or (more rapidly) when irradiated, which initiates the aforementioned charge-transfer processes. The eventual reaction of the gelators in the presence of a tertiary amine group is ascribed to electron transfer from the lone-pair on nitrogen to an α-diketo group, followed by proton transfer to an oxygen atom on the anion radical of the α-diketo group from a methyl or methylene group attached to the nitrogen atom of the cation radical. Finally, the formation of an α-diketyl radical leads to irreversible electronic and structural changes that are observed over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girishma Grover
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Soft Matter Synthesis and Metrology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | | | - Richard G. Weiss
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Soft Matter Synthesis and Metrology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
- Correspondence:
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12
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Van Lommel R, Van Hooste J, Vandaele J, Steurs G, Van der Donck T, De Proft F, Rocha S, Sakellariou D, Alonso M, De Borggraeve WM. Does Supramolecular Gelation Require an External Trigger? Gels 2022; 8:gels8120813. [PMID: 36547337 PMCID: PMC9778329 DOI: 10.3390/gels8120813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The supramolecular gelation of small molecules is typically preceded by an external stimulus to trigger the self-assembly. The need for this trigger stems from the metastable nature of most supramolecular gels and can limit their applicability. Herein, we present a small urea-based molecule that spontaneously forms a stable hydrogel by simple mixing without the addition of an external trigger. Single particle tracking experiments and observations made from scanning electron microscopy indicated that triggerless gelation occurred in a similar fashion as the archetypical heat-triggered gelation. These results could stimulate the search for other supramolecular hydrogels that can be obtained by simple mixing. Furthermore, the mechanism of the heat-triggered supramolecular gelation was elucidated by a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and quantitative NMR experiments. Surprisingly, hydrogelation seemingly occurs via a stepwise self-assembly in which spherical nanoparticles mature into an entangled fibrillary network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Van Lommel
- Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Box 2404, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Eenheid Algemene Chemie (ALGC), Department of Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julie Van Hooste
- Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Box 2404, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johannes Vandaele
- Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Box 2404, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gert Steurs
- Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Box 2404, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tom Van der Donck
- Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 44, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frank De Proft
- Eenheid Algemene Chemie (ALGC), Department of Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Susana Rocha
- Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Box 2404, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dimitrios Sakellariou
- Center for Membrane Separations, Adsorption, Catalysis and Spectroscopy for Sustainable Solutions (cMACS), Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Box 2454, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mercedes Alonso
- Eenheid Algemene Chemie (ALGC), Department of Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (W.M.D.B.)
| | - Wim M. De Borggraeve
- Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Box 2404, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (W.M.D.B.)
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13
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Chambers LI, Yufit DS, Musa OM, Steed JW. Understanding the Interaction of Gluconamides and Gluconates with Amino Acids in Hair Care. CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN 2022; 22:6190-6200. [PMID: 36217417 PMCID: PMC9542698 DOI: 10.1021/acs.cgd.2c00753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A hair care mixture formed from a gluconamide derivative and 3-hydroxypropyl ammonium gluconate is known to strengthen hair fibers; however, the mechanism by which the mixture affects hair is unknown. To give insight into the aggregation of the target gluconamide and potential interactions between the gluconate-derived mixture and hair fibers, a range of systems were characterized by X-ray crystallography namely two polymorphic forms of the target gluconamide and three salts of 3-hydroxypropylammonium with sulfuric acid, methane sulfonic acid, and oxalic acid. The gluconamide proves to aggregate and becomes a supramolecular gelator in aniline and benzyl alcohol solution. The resulting gels were characterized by rheology, scanning electron microscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke I. Chambers
- Department
of Chemistry, Lower Mountjoy, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE, U.K.
| | - Dmitry S. Yufit
- Department
of Chemistry, Lower Mountjoy, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE, U.K.
| | - Osama M. Musa
- Ashland
LLC, 1005 Route 202/206, Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807, United States
| | - Jonathan W. Steed
- Department
of Chemistry, Lower Mountjoy, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE, U.K.
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14
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Sitsanidis ED, Kasapidou PM, Hiscock JR, Gubala V, Castel H, Popoola PIA, Hall AJ, Edwards AA. Probing the self-assembly and anti-glioblastoma efficacy of a cinnamoyl-capped dipeptide hydrogelator. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 20:7458-7466. [PMID: 36094013 DOI: 10.1039/d2ob01339h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we introduce the first diphenylalanine dipeptide hydrogelator capped with the cinnamoyl functional group (Cin-L-F-L-F). We evaluate the effects of the cinnamoyl moiety on molecular self-assembly events and resultant physical properties of the hydrogel formed. In addition, we report our preliminary results of this dipeptide's cytotoxicity against glioblastoma (GBM) cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- E D Sitsanidis
- Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Kent and Greenwich at Medway, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK.
- Department of Chemistry, Nanoscience Centre, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014, Finland
| | - P M Kasapidou
- Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Kent and Greenwich at Medway, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK.
- Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - J R Hiscock
- Supramolecular, Interfacial and Synthetic Chemistry Group, School of Physical Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, UK
| | - V Gubala
- Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Kent and Greenwich at Medway, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK.
| | - H Castel
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1245, CBG, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - P I A Popoola
- Supramolecular, Interfacial and Synthetic Chemistry Group, School of Physical Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, UK
| | - A J Hall
- Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Kent and Greenwich at Medway, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK.
| | - A A Edwards
- Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Kent and Greenwich at Medway, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK.
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15
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Ravarino P, Panja S, Adams DJ. Spatiotemporal Control Over Base-Catalysed Hydrogelation Using a Bilayer System. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2200606. [PMID: 35995598 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202200606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Controlling the formation and directional growth of hydrogels is a challenge. In this paper, we propose a new methodology to program the gel formation both over space and time, using the diffusion and subsequent hydrolysis of 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) from an immiscible organic solution to the aqueous gel media. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ravarino
- Dipartimento di Chimica Giacomo Ciamician, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Via Selmi, 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Santanu Panja
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, U.K
| | - Dave J Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, U.K
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16
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Randle R, Fuentes-Caparrós AM, Cavalcanti LP, Schweins R, Adams DJ, Draper ER. Investigating Aggregation Using In Situ Electrochemistry and Small-Angle Neutron Scattering. THE JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY. C, NANOMATERIALS AND INTERFACES 2022; 126:13427-13432. [PMID: 35983316 PMCID: PMC9376955 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.2c03210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Using small-angle neutron scattering to investigate the aggregation of self-assembling molecules is well established. Some of these molecules are electrochemically useful, for example, in electrochromic devices. Electrochemistry can also be used in some cases to induce aggregation. Here, we describe an approach whereby electrochemistry can be directly carried out on a sample in the neutron beam, allowing us to monitor changes directly in situ. We exemplify with two examples but highlight that there are many other potential opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leide P. Cavalcanti
- ISIS
Neutron and Muon Source User Office, Science and Technology Facilities
Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Oxford, Didcot OX11 0QX, U.K.
| | - Ralf Schweins
- Large
Scale Structures Group, Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 20156, F-38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Dave J. Adams
- School
of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
| | - Emily R. Draper
- School
of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
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17
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Probing the supramolecular assembly in solid, solution and gel phase in uriede based thiazole derivatives and its potential application as iodide ion sensor. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.119763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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18
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Abstract
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Low molecular weight
gels are formed by the self-assembly of small
molecules into anisotropic structures that form a network capable
of immobilizing the solvent. Such gels are common, with a huge number
of different examples existing, and they have many applications. However,
there are still significant gaps in our understanding of these systems
and challenges that need to be addressed if we are to be able to fully
design such systems. Here, a number of these challenges are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dave J Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
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19
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Gauci V, Seddon A, Adams DJ. Synthesis and characterisation of diketopyrrolopyrrole-based hydrogels. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:3756-3761. [PMID: 35506734 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00277a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) based materials can be easily tuned by functionalising with groups that extend the conjugation and thus alter the electronic properties. When attaching thiophenes to give dithiophene-diketopyrrolopyrroles (DTDPPs), a donor-acceptor-donor system is created that is suitable for charge-transfer applications. This core also promotes π-stacking and hydrophobic interactions. Here, we describe a number of DTDPPs functionalised with amino acids that undergo pH-trigerred gelation. We show that the optical properties of our DTDPPs are affected by whether the amino acids have aromatic or aliphatic side chains. We also describe the effect of solvent polarity. We have successfully produced hydrogels via a pH trigger with examples containing phenylalanine (F), valine (V), leucine (L) and alanine (A) amino acids. Viscosity and small angle X-ray scattering measurements show the presence of micellar structures in solution in water at pH 10.5, with gelation starting at a pH less than 7 due to the formation of a fibrous network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gauci
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Annela Seddon
- School of Physics, HH Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TL, UK
| | - Dave J Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
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20
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Self-Assembly of Alkylamido Isophthalic Acids toward the Design of a Supergelator: Phase-Selective Gelation and Dye Adsorption. Gels 2022; 8:gels8050285. [PMID: 35621583 PMCID: PMC9140382 DOI: 10.3390/gels8050285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A new series of 5-alkylamido isophthalic acid (ISA) derivatives with varying single and twin alkyl chain lengths were designed and synthesized as potential supramolecular organogelators. 5-alkylamido ISAs with linear or branched alkyl tail-groups of different lengths were effective gelators for low polarity solvents. In particular, among the presented series, a derivative with a branched, 24 carbon atom tail-group behaves as a “supergelator” with up to twenty organic solvents forming gels that are highly stable over time. The gelation behavior was analyzed using Hansen solubility parameters, and the thermal stability and viscoelastic properties of select gels were characterized. Microscopy, spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and computer modeling studies were consistent with a hierarchical self-assembly process involving the formation of cyclic H-bonded hexamers via the ISA carboxylic acid groups, which stack into elementary fibers stabilized by H-bonding of the amide linker groups and π–π stacking of the aromatic groups. These new nanomaterials exhibited potential for the phase-selective gelation of oil from oil–water mixtures and dye uptake from contaminated water. The work expands upon the design and synthesis of supramolecular self-assembled nanomaterials and their application in water purification/remediation.
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21
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Wu B, Zhao S, Yang X, Zhou L, Ma Y, Zhang H, Li W, Wang H. Biomimetic Heterodimerization of Tetrapeptides to Generate Liquid Crystalline Hydrogel in A Two-Component System. ACS NANO 2022; 16:4126-4138. [PMID: 35230089 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c09860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Anisotropic structures made by hierarchical self-assembly and crystallization play an essential role in the living system. However, the spontaneous formation of liquid crystalline hydrogel of low molecular weight organic molecules with controlled properties remains challenging. This work describes a rational design of tetrapeptide without N-terminal modification and chemical conjugation that utilizes intermolecular interactions to drive the formation of nanofiber bundles in a two-component system, which could not be accessed by a single component. The diameter of nanofibers can be simply controlled by varying the enantiomer of electrostatic pairs. Mutation of lysine (K) to arginine (R) results in an over 30-fold increase of mechanical property. Mechanistic studies using different techniques unravel the mechanism of self-assembly and formation of anisotropic liquid crystalline domains. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the mixture of heterochiral peptides self-assembles into a nanofiber with a larger width compared to the homochiral assemblies due to the different stacking pattern and intermolecular interactions. The intermolecular interactions show an obvious increase by substituting the K with R, facilitating a more stable assembly and further altering the assembly mechanics and bulk material properties. Moreover, we also demonstrated that the hydrogel properties can be easily controlled by incorporating a light-responsive group. This work provides a method to generate the liquid crystalline hydrogel from isotropic monomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bihan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of 3D Micro/Nano Fabrication and Characterization of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Institute of Advanced Technology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province China
| | - Xuejiao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province China
| | - Laicheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province China
| | - Yang Ma
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province China
| | - Hongyue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province China
| | - Wenbin Li
- Key Laboratory of 3D Micro/Nano Fabrication and Characterization of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Institute of Advanced Technology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province China
| | - Huaimin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province China
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22
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Smith J, Yufit DS, McCabe JF, Steed JW. The "Magic Linker": Highly Effective Gelation from Sterically Awkward Packing. CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN 2022; 22:1914-1921. [PMID: 35559210 PMCID: PMC9084547 DOI: 10.1021/acs.cgd.1c01470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bis(urea)s based on the 4,4'-methylenebis(2,6-diethylphenylene) (4,4'-MDEP) spacer are highly effective low molecular weight gelators, and the first single crystal structure of a bis(urea) based on this spacer is reported. The structure is a conformational isomorph with eight crystallographically independent molecules (Z' = 8) arranged in four tennis-ball type dimers with the 2,6-diethylphenylene units adopting five different conformations in the ratio 4:5:3:2:2. The awkward shape and conformational promiscuity arising from the orientations of the ethyl groups in this system is linked to its gelation behavior. A total of seven 4,4'-MDEP derivatives have been prepared, and six are versatile gelators, confirming the particularly effective nature of the MDEP spacer. Only the nitrophenyl derivative does not form gels, likely because of intramolecular CH···O hydrogen bonding arising from the electron-withdrawing nature of the nitro substituent and hence inhibition of the urea α-tape hydrogen-bonded motif.
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Affiliation(s)
- James
P. Smith
- Department
of Chemistry, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, U.K.
| | - Dmitry S. Yufit
- Department
of Chemistry, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, U.K.
| | - James F. McCabe
- Pharmaceutical
Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield SK10 2NA, U.K.
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23
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Kittel Y, Kuehne AJC, De Laporte L. Translating Therapeutic Microgels into Clinical Applications. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101989. [PMID: 34826201 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Microgels are crosslinked, water-swollen networks with a 10 nm to 100 µm diameter and can be modified chemically or biologically to render them biocompatible for advanced clinical applications. Depending on their intended use, microgels require different mechanical and structural properties, which can be engineered on demand by altering the biochemical composition, crosslink density of the polymer network, and the fabrication method. Here, the fundamental aspects of microgel research and development, as well as their specific applications for theranostics and therapy in the clinic, are discussed. A detailed overview of microgel fabrication techniques with regards to their intended clinical application is presented, while focusing on how microgels can be employed as local drug delivery materials, scavengers, and contrast agents. Moreover, microgels can act as scaffolds for tissue engineering and regeneration application. Finally, an overview of microgels is given, which already made it into pre-clinical and clinical trials, while future challenges and chances are discussed. This review presents an instructive guideline for chemists, material scientists, and researchers in the biomedical field to introduce them to the fundamental physicochemical properties of microgels and guide them from fabrication methods via characterization techniques and functionalization of microgels toward specific applications in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonca Kittel
- DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstrasse 50 52074 Aachen Germany
| | - Alexander J. C. Kuehne
- DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstrasse 50 52074 Aachen Germany
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Ulm University Albert‐Einstein‐Allee 11 89081 Ulm Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC) Polymeric Biomaterials RWTH University Aachen Worringerweg 2 52074 Aachen Germany
| | - Laura De Laporte
- DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstrasse 50 52074 Aachen Germany
- Max Planck School‐Matter to Life (MtL) Jahnstraße 29 69120 Heidelberg Germany
- Advanced Materials for Biomedicine (AMB) Institute of Applied Medical Engineering (AME) Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems (CBMS) University Hospital RWTH 52074 Aachen Germany
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24
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McDowall D, Adams DJ, Seddon AM. Using small angle scattering to understand low molecular weight gels. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:1577-1590. [PMID: 35147629 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm01707a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The material properties of a gel are determined by the underpinning network that immobilises the solvent. When gels are formed by the self-assembly of small molecules into a so-called low molecular weight gel, the network is the result of the molecules forming one-dimensional objects such as fibres or nanotubes which entangle or otherwise cross-link to form a three-dimensional network. Characterising the one-dimensional objects and the network is difficult. Many conventional techniques rely on drying to probe the network, which often leads to artefacts. An effective tool to probe the gel in the solvated state is small angle scattering. Both small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) can be used. Here, we discuss these approaches and provide a tutorial review to describe how these approaches work, what opportunities there are and how the data treatment should be approached. We aim to show the power of this approach and provide enabling information to make them accessible to the non-specialist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel McDowall
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Dave J Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Annela M Seddon
- School of Physics, HH Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TL, UK
- Bristol Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, HH Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TL, UK.
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25
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Yang X, Lu H, Tao Y, Zhang H, Wang H. Controlling supramolecular filament chirality of hydrogel by co-assembly of enantiomeric aromatic peptides. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:77. [PMID: 35144637 PMCID: PMC8832752 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01285-0] [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] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Supramolecular chirality plays an indispensable role in living and synthetic systems. However, the generation and control of filament chirality in the supramolecular hydrogel of short peptides remains challenging. In this work, as the first example, we report that the heterodimerization of the enantiomeric mixture controls the alignment, chirality, and stiffness of fibrous hydrogels formed by aromatic building blocks. The properties of the resulting racemic hydrogel could not be achieved by either pure enantiomer. Cryo-EM images indicate that the mixture of L and D enantiomers forms chiral nanofibers, the percentage of which can be readily controlled through stoichiometric co-assembly of heterochiral enantiomers. 2D NOESY NMR and diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy reveal that heterodimerization of enantiomers plays a crucial role in the formation of chiral nanofibers. Further mechanistic studies unravel the mechanism of supramolecular chirality formation in this two-component system. Molecular dynamics simulations confirm that the intermolecular hydrogen bond and π–π interaction of heterodimers play important roles in forming a chiral hydrogel. Furthermore, regulation of the adhesion and morphology of mammalian cells is achieved by tuning the relative ratio of L and D enantiomers at the same concentration. This work illustrates a novel strategy to control the supramolecular chirality of aromatic peptide hydrogels for materials science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Honglei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yinghua Tao
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hongyue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Huaimin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Precise Synthesis of Functional Molecules of Zhejiang Province, School of Science, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China. .,Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang Province, China. .,Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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26
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Dawn A, Pajoubpong J, Mesmer A, Mirzamani M, He L, Kumari H. Manipulating Assemblies in Metallosupramolecular Gels, Driven by Isomeric Ligands, Metal Coordination, and Adaptive Binary Gelator Systems. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:1705-1715. [PMID: 35078313 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c02738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Metallosupramolecular gel (MSG) is a unique combination of metal-ligand coordination chemistry and supramolecular gel chemistry with extraordinary adaptivity and softness. Such materials find broad uses in industry, pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors, and in technology generation among many others. Pyridyl-appended bis(urea) gelator systems have been extensively studied as potential MSG-forming materials in the presence of various metal ions. The previous molecular engineering approaches depicted competitive intermolecular and intramolecular binding modes involving urea and pyridyl groups and further fine-tuned by the presence of various molecular spacers. In those studies, formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonding among urea moieties to form urea tape was found to be the key factor in one-dimensional assembly and gel formation. In the present study, we show how two isomeric pyridyl-appended bis(urea) ligands can be designed appropriately to essentially eliminate the interference of competitive factors, leaving the intermolecular urea assembly practically unaffected even in the presence of metal ions. We found that one of the two ligands (L2) and the mixed ligand (L1 + L2) assemblies formed gel in the presence and absence of various metal ions. A metal ion with a linear coordination geometry significantly strengthened the gels. Moreover, an inherently weak L1 + L2 assembly appears to be more adaptive in accommodating larger metal ions especially with nonlinear coordination geometry preferences. Small-angle neutron scattering and rheological, spectroscopic, and morphological characterizations, collectively, capture a detailed interplay among ligand assembly, metal-ligand coordination, and adaptivity, driven by the pure versus mixed ligand assemblies. The knowledge gathered from the present study would be highly beneficial in engineering the metallosupramolecular polymeric assemblies toward their functional applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Dawn
- James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Medical Science Building, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0514, United States
| | - Jinnipha Pajoubpong
- James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Medical Science Building, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0514, United States
| | - Amira Mesmer
- James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Medical Science Building, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0514, United States
| | - Marzieh Mirzamani
- James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Medical Science Building, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0514, United States
| | - Lilin He
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Harshita Kumari
- James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Medical Science Building, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0514, United States
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27
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Kyarikwal R, Malviya N, Chakraborty A, Mukhopadhyay S. Preparation of Tris-Tetrazole-Based Metallogels and Stabilization of Silver Nanoparticles: Studies on Reduction Catalysis and Self-Healing Property. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:59567-59579. [PMID: 34855348 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c19217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
An ionic multifunctional gelator molecule triethylammonium 5-(3,5-bis((1H-tetrazol-5-yl)carbamoyl)benzamido)tetrazol-1-ide G7 is synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic tools and mass spectrometry. G7 tends to form a stable organogel in a mixture of N,N-dimethylformamide/dimethylsulfoxide (DMF/DMSO) and water. Introduction of different metal perchlorate salts in a DMSO solution of G7 furnished a series of metallogels M1G7, M2G7, M3G7, M4G7, M5G7, M6G7, and M7G7 [M1 = Fe(III), M2 = Co(II), M3 = Cu(II), M4 = Zn(II), M5 = Ag(I), M6 = Ni, and M7 = Fe(II)]. Among them, M1G7, M3G7, M4G7, M6G7, and M7G7 help individually in the synthesis and stabilization of bimetallic nanocomposites containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Iron(III)-containing nanocomposites M1G7AgNPs have been utilized in the form of catalysts in the reduction reaction of nitroaromatic compounds to corresponding amines with a quantitative yield. The organogel G7 has also shown the abilities to absorb different metal ions from aqueous solutions and allow selective transition of M1G7 from the gel state to the crystalline state. Fe(III) formed dual metallogels with Zn(II), which can be used for further applications. Furthermore, the nanocomposite M1G7AgNP powder, in the presence of the organogel G7, gets converted into a nanostructured metallogel, which shows exclusive self-healing properties. This is the first example where a nanocomposite powder contains the dual-metal system (Fe(III) and Ag(0)) and shows a reduction catalytic property, and its nanostructured dual-metallogel form manifests the self-healing property in a fabricated metallogel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena Kyarikwal
- Department of Chemistry, School of Basic Science, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Khandwa Road, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
| | - Novina Malviya
- Department of Chemistry, School of Basic Science, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Khandwa Road, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
| | - Argha Chakraborty
- Department of Chemistry, School of Basic Science, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Khandwa Road, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
| | - Suman Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Chemistry, School of Basic Science, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Khandwa Road, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
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28
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Yang B, Lledos M, Akhtar R, Ciccone G, Jiang L, Russo E, Rajput S, Jin C, Angelereou MGF, Arnold T, Rawle J, Vassalli M, Marlow M, Adams DJ, Zelzer M. Surface-controlled spatially heterogeneous physical properties of a supramolecular gel with homogeneous chemical composition. Chem Sci 2021; 12:14260-14269. [PMID: 34760212 PMCID: PMC8565383 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc04671c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Controlling supramolecular self-assembly across multiple length scales to prepare gels with localised properties is challenging. Most strategies concentrate on fabricating gels with heterogeneous components, where localised properties are generated by the stimuli-responsive component. Here, as an alternative approach, we use a spiropyran-modified surface that can be patterned with light. We show that light-induced differences in surface chemistry can direct the bulk assembly of a low molecular weight gelator, 2-NapAV, meaning that mechanical gel properties can be controlled by the surface on which the gel is grown. Using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering, we demonstrate that the origin of the different gel properties relates to differences in the architectures of the gels. This provides a new method to prepare a single domain (i.e., chemically homogeneous) hydrogel with locally controlled (i.e., mechanically heterogeneous) properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG2 7RD UK
| | - Marina Lledos
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG2 7RD UK
| | - Riaz Akhtar
- Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 3GH UK
| | - Giuseppe Ciccone
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8LT UK
| | - Long Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG2 7RD UK
| | - Emanuele Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG2 7RD UK
| | - Sunil Rajput
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG2 7RD UK
| | - Chunyu Jin
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB3 0AS UK
| | | | - Thomas Arnold
- Diamond Light Source Ltd Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot Oxfordshire OX11 0DE UK
- European Spallation Source ERIC P. O. Box 176 SE-221 00 Lund Sweden
- STFC, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Chilton Didcot OX11 0QX UK
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath Claverton Down Bath BA2 7AY UK
| | - Jonathan Rawle
- Diamond Light Source Ltd Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot Oxfordshire OX11 0DE UK
| | - Massimo Vassalli
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8LT UK
| | - Maria Marlow
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG2 7RD UK
| | - Dave J Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
| | - Mischa Zelzer
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Nottingham NG2 7RD UK
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29
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Makeiff D, Cho J, Godbert N, Smith B, Azyat K, Wagner A, Kulka M, Carlini R. Supramolecular gels from alkylated benzimidazolone derivatives. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.116723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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30
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Cross ER, Coulter SM, Pentlavalli S, Laverty G. Unravelling the antimicrobial activity of peptide hydrogel systems: current and future perspectives. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:8001-8021. [PMID: 34525154 PMCID: PMC8442837 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm00839k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The use of hydrogels has garnered significant interest as biomaterial and drug delivery platforms for anti-infective applications. For decades antimicrobial peptides have been heralded as a much needed new class of antimicrobial drugs. Self-assembling peptide hydrogels with inherent antimicrobial ability have recently come to the fore. However, their fundamental antimicrobial properties, selectivity and mechanism of action are relatively undefined. This review attempts to establish a link between antimicrobial efficacy; the self-assembly process; peptide-membrane interactions and mechanical properties by studying several reported peptide systems: β-hairpin/β-loop peptides; multidomain peptides; amphiphilic surfactant-like peptides and ultrashort/low molecular weight peptides. We also explore their role in the formation of amyloid plaques and the potential for an infection etiology in diseases such as Alzheimer's. We look briefly at innovative methods of gel characterization. These may provide useful tools for future studies within this increasingly important field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Cross
- Biofunctional Nanomaterials Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, N. Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK.
| | - Sophie M Coulter
- Biofunctional Nanomaterials Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, N. Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK.
| | - Sreekanth Pentlavalli
- Biofunctional Nanomaterials Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, N. Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK.
| | - Garry Laverty
- Biofunctional Nanomaterials Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, N. Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK.
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31
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Panja S, Seddon A, Adams DJ. Controlling hydrogel properties by tuning non-covalent interactions in a charge complementary multicomponent system. Chem Sci 2021; 12:11197-11203. [PMID: 34522317 PMCID: PMC8386653 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc02854e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mixing small molecule gelators is a promising route to prepare useful and exciting materials that cannot be accessed from any of the individual components. Here, we describe pH-triggered hydrogelation by mixing of two non-gelling amphiphiles. The intermolecular interactions among the molecules can be tuned either by controlling the degree of ionization of the components or by a preparative pathway, which enables us to control material properties such as gel strength, gel stiffness, thermal stability, and an unusual shrinking/swelling behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santanu Panja
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
| | - Annela Seddon
- School of Physics, HH Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol Tyndall Avenue Bristol BS8 1TL UK
- Bristol Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, HH Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol Tyndall Avenue Bristol BS8 1TL UK
| | - Dave J Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
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32
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Giuri D, Marshall LJ, Wilson C, Seddon A, Adams DJ. Understanding gel-to-crystal transitions in supramolecular gels. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:7221-7226. [PMID: 34286796 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm00770j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Most supramolecular gels are stable or assumed to be stable over time, and aging effects are often not studied. However, some gels do show clear changes on aging, and a small number of systems exhibit gel-to-crystal transitions. In these cases, crystals form over time, typically at the expense of the network underpinning the gel; this leads to the gel falling apart. These systems are rare, and little is known about how these gel-to-crystal transitions occur. Here, we use a range of techniques to understand in detail a gel-to-crystal transition for a specific functionalised dipeptide based gelator. We show that the gel-to-crystal transition depends on the final pH of the medium which we control by varying the amount of glucon-δ-lactone (GdL) added. In the gel phase, at low concentrations of GdL, and at early time points with high concentrations of GdL, we are able to show the nanometre scale dimensions of the self-assembled fibre using SAXS; however there is no evidence of molecular ordering of the gel fibres in the WAXS. At low concentrations of GdL, these self-assembled fibres stiffen with time but do not crystallise over the timescale of the SAXS experiment. At high concentrations of GdL, the fibres are already stiffened, and then, as the pH drops further, give way to the presence of crystals which appear to grow preferentially along the direction of the fibre axis. We definitively show therefore that the gel and crystal phase are not the same. Our work shows that many assumptions in the literature are incorrect. Finally, we also show that the sample holder geometry is an important parameter for these experiments, with the rate of crystallisation depending on the holder in which the experiment is carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetra Giuri
- Dipartimento di Chimica Giacomo Ciamician, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Via Selmi, 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Libby J Marshall
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Claire Wilson
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Annela Seddon
- School of Physics, HH Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TL, UK. and Bristol Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, HH Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TL, UK
| | - Dave J Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
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33
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Firipis K, Boyd-Moss M, Long B, Dekiwadia C, Hoskin W, Pirogova E, Nisbet DR, Kapsa RMI, Quigley AF, Williams RJ. Tuneable Hybrid Hydrogels via Complementary Self-Assembly of a Bioactive Peptide with a Robust Polysaccharide. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:3340-3350. [PMID: 34125518 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic materials designed for improved biomimicry of the extracellular matrix must contain fibrous, bioactive, and mechanical cues. Self-assembly of low molecular weight gelator (LMWG) peptides Fmoc-DIKVAV (Fmoc-aspartic acid-isoleucine-lysine-valine-alanine-valine) and Fmoc-FRGDF (Fmoc-phenylalanine-arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-phenylalanine) creates fibrous and bioactive hydrogels. Polysaccharides such as agarose are biocompatible, degradable, and non-toxic. Agarose and these Fmoc-peptides have both demonstrated efficacy in vitro and in vivo. These materials have complementary properties; agarose has known mechanics in the physiological range but is inert and would benefit from bioactive and topographical cues found in the fibrous, protein-rich extracellular matrix. Fmoc-DIKVAV and Fmoc-FRGDF are synthetic self-assembling peptides that present bioactive cues "IKVAV" and "RGD" designed from the ECM proteins laminin and fibronectin. The work presented here demonstrates that the addition of agarose to Fmoc-DIKVAV and Fmoc-FRGDF results in physical characteristics that are dependent on agarose concentration. The networks are peptide-dominated at low agarose concentrations, and agarose-dominated at high agarose concentrations, resulting in distinct changes in structural morphology. Interestingly, at mid-range agarose concentration, a hybrid network is formed with structural similarities to both peptide and agarose systems, demonstrating reinforced mechanical properties. Bioactive-LMWG polysaccharide hydrogels demonstrate controllable microenvironmental properties, providing the ability for tissue-specific biomaterial design for tissue engineering and 3D cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Firipis
- Biofab3D, Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.,Biomedical and Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Mitchell Boyd-Moss
- Biofab3D, Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.,Biomedical and Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.,Institute of Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Benjamin Long
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University, Mt. Helen, VIC 3350, Australia
| | - Chaitali Dekiwadia
- RMIT Microscopy and MicroAnalysis Facility (RMMF), RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic 3000, Australia
| | - William Hoskin
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University, Mt. Helen, VIC 3350, Australia
| | - Elena Pirogova
- Biomedical and Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - David R Nisbet
- Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, The Australian National University, Acton, Canberra 2601, Australia
| | - Robert M I Kapsa
- Biofab3D, Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.,Biomedical and Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Electromaterials Science, Department of Medicine, Melbourne University, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia.,Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Vic 3065, Australia
| | - Anita F Quigley
- Biofab3D, Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.,Biomedical and Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Electromaterials Science, Department of Medicine, Melbourne University, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia.,Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Vic 3065, Australia
| | - Richard J Williams
- Biofab3D, Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.,Institute of Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
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34
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Kubota R, Tanaka W, Hamachi I. Microscopic Imaging Techniques for Molecular Assemblies: Electron, Atomic Force, and Confocal Microscopies. Chem Rev 2021; 121:14281-14347. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryou Kubota
- 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
| | - 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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35
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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: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.7] [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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36
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Rodger PM, Montgomery C, Costantini G, Rodger A. Morphology, energetics and growth kinetics of diphenylalanine fibres. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:4597-4604. [PMID: 33620048 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp05477a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Diphenylalanine (FF) has been shown to self-assemble from water into heterogeneous fibres that are among the stiffest biomaterials known. How and why the fibres form has, however, not been clear. In this work, the nucleation and growth of FF fibres was investigated in a combined experimental and theoretical study. Scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy showed FF fibre morphology to be hollow tubes of varying widths with occasional endcaps. Molecular dynamics simulations of FF nanostructures based on the bulk crystalline geometry demonstrated that axial growth stablilises the fibres and that structures with different widths show similar stabilities, in accord with the wide range of fibre widths observed experimentally. Linear dichroism (LD) spectroscopy was used to determine the thermal stability of the fibres, showing that FF solutions are fully monomeric at 70 °C and that fibres begin to form at ∼40 °C upon cooling. The LD kinetic studies indicated a nucleation-driven assembly with subsequent fibre growth, but a secondary nucleation process is required to explain the data.
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37
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Cross ER, Coulter SM, Fuentes-Caparrós AM, McAulay K, Schweins R, Laverty G, Adams DJ. Tuning the antimicrobial activity of low molecular weight hydrogels using dopamine autoxidation. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 56:8135-8138. [PMID: 32691773 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc02569k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
We present a method to trigger the formation of dipeptide-based hydrogels by the simple addition of dopamine. Dopamine undergoes oxidation in air, reducing the pH to induce gelation. The production of polydopamine and release of reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide confers antimicrobial activity. Gel stiffness can be controlled by modulating the initial starting pH of the gelator solution. We can use this method to tune the antimicrobial activity of the gels, with gels that are less stiff demonstrating increased bactericidal efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Cross
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Sophie M Coulter
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | | | - Kate McAulay
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Ralf Schweins
- Large Scale Structures Group, Institut Laue - Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 20156, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Garry Laverty
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Dave J Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
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38
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Loos JN, Boott CE, Hayward DW, Hum G, MacLachlan MJ. Exploring the Tunable Optical and Mechanical Properties of Multicomponent Low-Molecular-Weight Gelators. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:105-114. [PMID: 33393307 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c02464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A class of amino acid-based low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs) was used for single and multicomponent gel studies to investigate their tunable optical properties and their self-assembly process. The optical properties of multicomponent gels were found to be easily tuned by changing the proportion of the components, varying from opaque to highly transparent gels as analyzed using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. This phenomenon allows tunability without introducing another variable into the system. Scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were used to investigate the structures of the gels. It was found that because of the structural similarities of the molecules, the gelators favor coassembly packing over self-sorting. The emergence of transparency was ascribed to changes in the fiber diameters. Moreover, analysis of the SAXS data allowed us to compare the molecular order present in the gel phase with single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) data. Our analysis suggests that the packing of molecules seen in the crystalline phase is translated into the gel network. This reveals that the structure of the crystalline phase seen through SCXRD is a useful tool to aid in understanding the molecular packing in the gel phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette N Loos
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Charlotte E Boott
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Dominic W Hayward
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Outstation at MLZ, Lichtenbergstraße 1, Garching 85747, Germany
| | - Gabriel Hum
- BC Research Inc., 12920 Mitchell Road, Richmond, British Columbia V6V 1M8, Canada
| | - Mark J MacLachlan
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
- Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute, 2355 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
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39
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Chowdhuri S, Saha A, Pramanik B, Das S, Dowari P, Ukil A, Das D. Smart Thixotropic Hydrogels by Disulfide-Linked Short Peptides for Effective Three-Dimensional Cell Proliferation. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2020; 36:15450-15462. [PMID: 33306395 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c03324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Supramolecular assembly of short peptides is a crucial process and has shown numerous potential applications as biomaterials. In the present work, the hydrogelation process of short peptides containing C-terminal "Lys-Cys" (KC) residues have been studied in detail. The N-terminal capping is found to be essential for effective gelation. Out of 12 peptides we studied, two of them could form hydrogels efficiently: Ac-VVKC-NH2 and Ac-FFKC-NH2. In both cases, the monomer-to-dimer formation through disulfide linkages by Cys residues controls the aggregation process. Interestingly, the presence of H2O2 facilitated the dimerization and thereby reduced the gelation time but could not impart much effect on the mechanical properties of the gels. Detailed rheological study revealed that both hydrogels are thixotropic in nature. Moreover, they are responsive to glutathione (GSH) due to the presence of disulfide linkages. However, the hydrogel of Ac-FFKC-NH2 is found to be stronger and more effective for biological applications. The thixotropic nature as well as a model drug release study in response to varying GSH concentration indicates the possible use of the hydrogel as an injectable local drug delivery vehicle. The hydrogel of Ac-FFKC-NH2 is noncytotoxic in nature. Three-dimensional cell proliferation has been found to be more effective than 2D, as it mimics the in vivo situation more closely if not exactly. In the present study, we have shown that both differentiated RAW macrophages and undifferentiated THP-1 monocytes could proliferate significantly within the 3D matrix of the hydrogel, without depicting any apparent cytotoxicity. Thus, the hydrogel of Ac-FFKC-NH2 has potential for application in localized drug administration and as a supporting biomaterial to study basic phenomena involving cell behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Chowdhuri
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Amrita Saha
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, India
| | - Bapan Pramanik
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Saurav Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Payel Dowari
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Anindita Ukil
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, India
| | - Debapratim Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
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40
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Chivers PRA, Dookie RS, Gough JE, Webb SJ. Photo-dissociation of self-assembled (anthracene-2-carbonyl)amino acid hydrogels. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:13792-13795. [PMID: 33078185 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc05292b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Amino acids modified with an N-terminal anthracene group self-assemble into supramolecular hydrogels upon the addition of a range of salts or cell culture medium. Gel-phase photo-dimerisation of gelators results in hydrogel disassembly and was used to recover cells from 3D culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip R A Chivers
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
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41
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H. Haeri H, Jerschabek V, Sadeghi A, Hinderberger D. Copper–Calcium Poly(Acrylic Acid) Composite Hydrogels as Studied by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectroscopy. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.202000262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Haleh H. Haeri
- Institut für Chemie Martin‐Luther‐Universität Halle‐Wittenberg Von‐Danckelmann‐Platz 4 Halle (Saale) 06120 Germany
| | - Vanessa Jerschabek
- Institut für Chemie Martin‐Luther‐Universität Halle‐Wittenberg Von‐Danckelmann‐Platz 4 Halle (Saale) 06120 Germany
| | - Arash Sadeghi
- Institut für Chemie Martin‐Luther‐Universität Halle‐Wittenberg Von‐Danckelmann‐Platz 4 Halle (Saale) 06120 Germany
| | - Dariush Hinderberger
- Institut für Chemie Martin‐Luther‐Universität Halle‐Wittenberg Von‐Danckelmann‐Platz 4 Halle (Saale) 06120 Germany
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42
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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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43
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Fuentes E, Boháčová K, Fuentes‐Caparrós AM, Schweins R, Draper ER, Adams DJ, Pujals S, Albertazzi L. PAINT-ing Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-Diphenylalanine Hydrogels. Chemistry 2020; 26:9869-9873. [PMID: 32428285 PMCID: PMC7496660 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202001560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembly of fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-protected diphenylalanine (FmocFF) in water is widely known to produce hydrogels. Typically, confocal microscopy is used to visualize such hydrogels under wet conditions, that is, without freezing or drying. However, key aspects of hydrogels like fiber diameter, network morphology and mesh size are sub-diffraction limited features and cannot be visualized effectively using this approach. In this work, we show that it is possible to image FmocFF hydrogels by Points Accumulation for Imaging in Nanoscale Topography (PAINT) in native conditions and without direct gel labelling. We demonstrate that the fiber network can be visualized with improved resolution (≈50 nm) both in 2D and 3D. Quantitative information is extracted such as mesh size and fiber diameter. This method can complement the existing characterization tools for hydrogels and provide useful information supporting the design of new materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Fuentes
- Nanoscopy for nanomedicine labInstitute for Bioengineering of CataloniaBaldiri Reixac08028BarcelonaSpain
| | - Kamila Boháčová
- Nanoscopy for nanomedicine labInstitute for Bioengineering of CataloniaBaldiri Reixac08028BarcelonaSpain
- Department School of ChemistryUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowG12 8QQUK
| | | | - Ralf Schweins
- Large Scale Structures GroupInstitut Laue-Langevin71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 2015638042Grenoble, CEDEX 9France
| | - Emily R. Draper
- Department School of ChemistryUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowG12 8QQUK
| | - Dave J. Adams
- Department School of ChemistryUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowG12 8QQUK
| | - Silvia Pujals
- Nanoscopy for nanomedicine labInstitute for Bioengineering of CataloniaBaldiri Reixac08028BarcelonaSpain
- Department of Electronics and Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of PhysicsUniversitat de BarcelonaAv. Diagonal 64708028BarcelonaSpain
| | - Lorenzo Albertazzi
- Nanoscopy for nanomedicine labInstitute for Bioengineering of CataloniaBaldiri Reixac08028BarcelonaSpain
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringInstitute of Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS)Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE)PO Box 513, 5600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
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44
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Shigemitsu H, Kubota R, Nakamura K, Matsuzaki T, Minami S, Aoyama T, Urayama K, Hamachi I. Protein-responsive protein release of supramolecular/polymer hydrogel composite integrating enzyme activation systems. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3859. [PMID: 32737298 PMCID: PMC7395795 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17698-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-enzymatic proteins including antibodies function as biomarkers and are used as biopharmaceuticals in several diseases. Protein-responsive soft materials capable of the controlled release of drugs and proteins have potential for use in next-generation diagnosis and therapies. Here, we describe a supramolecular/agarose hydrogel composite that can release a protein in response to a non-enzymatic protein. A non-enzymatic protein-responsive system is developed by hybridization of an enzyme-sensitive supramolecular hydrogel with a protein-triggered enzyme activation set. In situ imaging shows that the supramolecular/agarose hydrogel composite consists of orthogonal domains of supramolecular fibers and agarose, which play distinct roles in protein entrapment and mechanical stiffness, respectively. Integrating the enzyme activation set with the composite allows for controlled release of the embedded RNase in response to an antibody. Such composite hydrogels would be promising as a matrix embedded in a body, which can autonomously release biopharmaceuticals by sensing biomarker proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Shigemitsu
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Katsura, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ryou Kubota
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Katsura, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
| | - Keisuke Nakamura
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Katsura, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
| | - Tomonobu Matsuzaki
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Katsura, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
| | - Saori Minami
- Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Kyoto, 606-8585, 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, Nishikyo-ku, Katsura, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan.
- JST-ERATO, Hamachi Innovative Molecular Technology for Neuroscience, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8530, Japan.
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45
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McAulay K, Wang H, Fuentes-Caparrós AM, Thomson L, Khunti N, Cowieson N, Cui H, Seddon A, Adams DJ. Isotopic Control over Self-Assembly in Supramolecular Gels. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2020; 36:8626-8631. [PMID: 32614592 PMCID: PMC7467762 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c01552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
It is common to switch between H2O and D2O when examining peptide-based systems, with the assumption being that there are no effects from this change. Here, we describe the effect of changing from H2O to D2O in a number of low-molecular-weight dipeptide-based gels. Gels are formed by decreasing the pH. In most cases, there is little difference in the structures formed at high pH, but this is not universally true. On lowering the pH, the kinetics of gelation are affected and, in some cases, the structures underpinning the gel network are different. Where there are differences in the self-assembled structures, the resulting gel properties are different. We, therefore, show that isotopic control over gel properties is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate McAulay
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering,
Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins
University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | | | - Lisa Thomson
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
| | - Nikul Khunti
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science
and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0QX, U.K.
| | - Nathan Cowieson
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science
and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0QX, U.K.
| | - Honggang Cui
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering,
Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins
University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Annela Seddon
- School
of Physics, HH Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TL, U.K.
- Bristol Centre for
Functional Nanomaterials, HH Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TL, U.K.
| | - Dave J. Adams
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
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46
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Lattice Boltzmann simulations for micro-macro interactions during isothermal drying of bundle of capillaries. Chem Eng Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2020.115634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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47
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Liu F, Ding Z, Xu Y, Gao J, Lalevée J. Polydiacetylene (
PDA
) based supramolecular gel upon coassembly with a bolaamphiphilic cogelator. POLYM ADVAN TECHNOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pat.4990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Feiyang Liu
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science Anhui Normal University Wuhu China
| | - Zhaofu Ding
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science Anhui Normal University Wuhu China
| | - Yangyang Xu
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science Anhui Normal University Wuhu China
- Institut de Science des Matériaux de Mulhouse, IS2M‐UMR CNRS 7361, UHA Mulhouse France
| | - Jiangang Gao
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering Anhui Polytechnic University Wuhu China
| | - Jacques Lalevée
- Institut de Science des Matériaux de Mulhouse, IS2M‐UMR CNRS 7361, UHA Mulhouse France
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48
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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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49
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Gupta S, Singh I, Sharma AK, Kumar P. Ultrashort Peptide Self-Assembly: Front-Runners to Transport Drug and Gene Cargos. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:504. [PMID: 32548101 PMCID: PMC7273840 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The translational therapies to promote interaction between cell and signal come with stringent eligibility criteria. The chemically defined, hierarchically organized, and simpler yet blessed with robust intermolecular association, the peptides, are privileged to make the cut-off for sensing the cell-signal for biologics delivery and tissue engineering. The signature service and insoluble network formation of the peptide self-assemblies as hydrogels have drawn a spell of research activity among the scientists all around the globe in the past decades. The therapeutic peptide market players are anticipating promising growth opportunities due to the ample technological advancements in this field. The presence of the other organic moieties, enzyme substrates and well-established protecting groups like Fmoc and Boc etc., bring the best of both worlds. Since the large sequences of peptides severely limit the purification and their isolation, this article reviews the account of last 5 years' efforts on novel approaches for formulation and development of single molecule amino acids, ultra-short peptide self-assemblies (di- and tri- peptides only) and their derivatives as drug/gene carriers and tissue-engineering systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Gupta
- Chemistry Department, Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Indu Singh
- Chemistry Department, Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashwani K. Sharma
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
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50
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Ariawan AD, Sun B, Wojciechowski JP, Lin I, Du EY, Goodchild SC, Cranfield CG, Ittner LM, Thordarson P, Martin AD. Effect of polar amino acid incorporation on Fmoc-diphenylalanine-based tetrapeptides. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:4800-4805. [PMID: 32400837 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm00320d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Peptide hydrogels show great promise as extracellular matrix mimics due to their tuneable, fibrous nature. Through incorporation of polar cationic, polar anionic or polar neutral amino acids into the Fmoc-diphenylalanine motif, we show that electrostatic charge plays a key role in the properties of the subsequent gelators. Specifically, we show that an inverse relationship exists for biocompatibility in the solution state versus the gel state for cationic and anionic peptides. Finally, we use tethered bilayer lipid membrane (tBLM) experiments to suggest a likely mode of cytotoxicity for tetrapeptides which exhibit cytotoxicity in the solution state.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Daryl Ariawan
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
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