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Liu X, Kong K, Wang J, Liu Z, Tang R. Molecular Weight-Dependent Physiochemical Behaviors of Calcium Carbonate Chains. J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:5905-5913. [PMID: 38809103 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c01026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The regulation of physiochemical behaviors by changing molecular weights is an important cornerstone of polymer physics. However, similar correlations between molecular weights and properties have not been discovered in inorganic ionic compounds. In this work, we prepared a calcium carbonate specimen with a semiflexible chain topology analogous to those of polymers. The molecular weights of the calcium carbonate chains, which ranged from 3400 to 54 100 Da, were directly correlated to their physiochemical behaviors, including gel point, zero shear viscosity, and plateau modulus. The calcium carbonate chains showed similar polymeric characteristics, including shear thinning, thixotropy, entropic elasticity, and viscoelasticity. These features agreed with recent theories and formulas in polymer physics textbooks. On the basis of this understanding, the mechanical properties of calcium carbonate-based gels could be altered by changing their molecular weights. This study could represent a fusion of inorganic chemistry and polymer physics with similar molecular weight-dependent behaviors and material properties, establishing an alternative pathway for designing future inorganic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Kangren Kong
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhaoming Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- State Key Laboratory of Silicon and Advanced Semiconductor Materials, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Ruikang Tang
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- State Key Laboratory of Silicon and Advanced Semiconductor Materials, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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Li Q, Yu X, Zhang S, Xu M, Yang Y, Wan Z, Yang X. All-Natural, Robust, and pH-Responsive Glycyrrhizic Acid-Based Double Network Hydrogels for Controlled Nutrient Release. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:43633-43647. [PMID: 37695942 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c10407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Supramolecular hydrogels self-assembled from naturally occurring small molecules (e.g., glycyrrhizic acid, GA) are promising materials for controlled bioactive delivery due to their facile fabrication processes, excellent biocompatibility, and versatile stimuli-responsive behaviors. However, most of these natural hydrogels suffer from poor mechanical strength and processability for practical applications. In this work, through adopting a multicomponent gel approach, we developed a novel mechanically robust GA-based hydrogel with an interpenetrating double network (DN) that is composed of a Ca2+-enhanced hydrogen-bond supramolecular GA nanofibril (GN) network and a Ca2+cross-linked natural polysaccharide sodium alginate (ALG) network. Compared to the single GN network (SN) hydrogel, the GN-ALG hybrid hydrogels (GN-ALG-DN) with the hierarchical double-network structure possess excellent mechanical properties and shaping adaptation, encouraging small and large amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS and LAOS) rheological performances, better thermal stability, higher resistance to large compression deformations, and lower swelling behaviors. Furthermore, the GN-ALG-DN hydrogels exhibit a pH-responsive and sustained release behavior of nutrients (i.e., vitamin B12, VB12), showing a faster VB12 release rate with a higher swelling ratio in an alkaline condition (pH 7.5) than in an acidic condition (pH 2.5). This is ascribed to the fact that the higher dissociation degree of carboxylic groups in GA and ALG molecules in an alkaline environment induces the erosion and looseness of the self-assembled GN network and the ionic-cross-linked ALG network, which can lead to the decomposition of the hybrid hydrogels and thereby increases the release of nutrients. Cytotoxicity tests further demonstrate the excellent biocompatibility of the GN-ALG-DN hydrogels. This study highlights the design of robust shaped and structured supramolecular hydrogels from natural herb small molecules, which can serve as solid, edible, and stimuli-responsive active cargo delivery platforms for food, biomedical, and sustainable applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- Laboratory of Food Proteins and Colloids, School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xinke Yu
- Laboratory of Food Proteins and Colloids, School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Shiqi Zhang
- Laboratory of Food Proteins and Colloids, School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Mengyue Xu
- Laboratory of Physics and Physical Chemistry of Foods, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, Wageningen 6708WG, The Netherlands
| | - Yunyi Yang
- Laboratory of Food Proteins and Colloids, School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Zhili Wan
- Laboratory of Food Proteins and Colloids, School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation of Food Nutrition and Human Health (111 Center), Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xiaoquan Yang
- Laboratory of Food Proteins and Colloids, School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
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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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Tuning the pea protein gel network to mimic the heterogenous microstructure of animal protein. Food Hydrocoll 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2023.108611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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Du H, Liu J, Pan B, Yang HY, Liu GB, Lu K. Fabrication of the low molecular weight peptide-based hydrogels and analysis of gelation behaviors. Food Hydrocoll 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2022.107751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Short Peptide-Based Smart Thixotropic Hydrogels †. Gels 2022; 8:gels8090569. [PMID: 36135280 PMCID: PMC9498505 DOI: 10.3390/gels8090569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Thixotropy is a fascinating feature present in many gel systems that has garnered a lot of attention in the medical field in recent decades. When shear stress is applied, the gel transforms into sol and immediately returns to its original state when resting. The thixotropic nature of the hydrogel has inspired scientists to entrap and release enzymes, therapeutics, and other substances inside the human body, where the gel acts as a drug reservoir and can sustainably release therapeutics. Furthermore, thixotropic hydrogels have been widely used in various therapeutic applications, including drug delivery, cornea regeneration and osteogenesis, to name a few. Because of their inherent biocompatibility and structural diversity, peptides are at the forefront of cutting-edge research in this context. This review will discuss the rational design and self-assembly of peptide-based thixotropic hydrogels with some representative examples, followed by their biomedical applications.
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Du H, Wang L, Lu K, Pan B, Liu J. YAFAF-Based Hydrogel: Characterization, Mechanism, and Factors Influencing Micro-organization. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:10669-10679. [PMID: 35976795 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c04505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The YAFAF-based hydrogel was a three-dimensional network cross-linked by grooved fiber bundles. The fiber bundles were formed by entanglement of fibrils with a diameter of 2 nm, and the surface of the fibrils also presented grooves. Spectroscopic analysis revealed that the main secondary structures were β-sheets and β-turns, which led to the grooved feature of fibrils. In comparison of the nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of peptide solutions at 313 and 277 K, the nuclear Overhauser effects can be clearly observed, indicating that hydrogen-bondings and π-π stacking interactions play important roles in self-assembly. The micro-organization of the self-assemblies was affected by the ratio of solvents (xA) remarkably. Unexpectedly, xA of 0.05 produced hollow spherical aggregates. The result of these investigations on the mechanism and organization of the YAFAF-based hydrogel can contribute to the development of strategies using hydrogels in the food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Du
- Food Science and Technology, College of Food Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 100 Lianhua Road, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan Wang
- Peptides Chemistry, School of Chemical Engineering and Food Science, Zhengzhou University of Technology, 18 Yingcai Road, Zhengzhou, Henan 450044, People's Republic of China
| | - Kui Lu
- Peptides Chemistry, School of Chemical Engineering and Food Science, Zhengzhou University of Technology, 18 Yingcai Road, Zhengzhou, Henan 450044, People's Republic of China
| | - Boyuan Pan
- Peptides Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 100 Lianhua Road, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Liu
- Chemical Analysis, College of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Grain and Oil Standardization, Henan University of Technology, 100 Lianhua Road, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, People's Republic of China
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Electronic charge transport phenomena directed smart fabrication of Metal-Semiconductor based electronic junction device by a supramolecular Mn(II)-Metallogel. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.116769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Maeda R, Shinohara Y, Kawakami H, Isoda Y, Kanazawa I, Mitsuishi M. The conducting fibrillar networks of a PEDOT:PSS hydrogel and an organogel prepared by the gel-film formation process. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 32:135403. [PMID: 33291090 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/abd1a9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is a practical conducting polymer. The gel-film formation process produces a PEDOT:PSS organogel with a structure between a PEDOT:PSS water dispersion and a dried film. We found that this film has a high water-swelling ratio and thickens by a hitherto unreported factor of approximately 6600% as its swells to form a hydrogel. In this study, we investigated the drying behaviour of a hydrogel and an organogel with electrical properties to elucidate the internal structures of the gel responsible for the swelling and shrinkage behaviour with high expansion and contraction ratios. SEM revealed that the gel is composed of a 3D fibrillar network consisting of fibrils that are 4.6 ± 1.6 μm long and 0.63 ± 0.29 μm in diameter. This network plays a pivotal role in the conduction of electricity and swelling behaviour with high expansion ratios. The thickness of the gel decreased to 1/66 of its original value after drying on a substrate, while the total electrical resistance decreased by only 20%. The organogel exhibited the same drying behaviour as the hydrogel, which indicates that the network forms first in the organogel and is maintained in the subsequent swelling and drying processes. The electrical conductivity of the hydrogel increased from 9.0 ± 0.1 to 346.4 ± 1.2 S cm-1 under anisotropic shrinking from 3.1 ± 0.2 mm to 77.4 ± 3.3 μm. The network plays an important role as an enhanced swelling framework by providing effective pathways for the conduction of electricity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Maeda
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-11 Aramaki Aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
- Center for Green Research on Energy and Environmental Materials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Shinohara
- Center for Green Research on Energy and Environmental Materials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kawakami
- Center for Green Research on Energy and Environmental Materials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Isoda
- Center for Green Research on Energy and Environmental Materials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047, Japan
| | - Ikuzo Kanazawa
- Department of Physics, Tokyo Gakugei University, 4-1-1 Nukuikitamachi, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8501, Japan
| | - Masaya Mitsuishi
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-11 Aramaki Aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
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