1
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Saha NK, Salvia WS, Konkolewicz D, Hartley CS. Transient Covalent Polymers through Carbodiimide-Driven Assembly. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202404933. [PMID: 38772695 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202404933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Biochemical systems make use of out-of-equilibrium polymers generated under kinetic control. Inspired by these systems, many abiotic supramolecular polymers driven by chemical fuel reactions have been reported. Conversely, polymers based on transient covalent bonds have received little attention, even though they have the potential to complement supramolecular systems by generating transient structures based on stronger bonds and by offering a straightforward tuning of reaction kinetics. In this study, we show that simple aqueous dicarboxylic acids give poly(anhydrides) when treated with the carbodiimide EDC. Transient covalent polymers with molecular weights exceeding 15,000 are generated which then decompose over the course of hours to weeks. Disassembly kinetics can be controlled using simple substituent effects in the monomer design. The impact of solvent polarity, carbodiimide concentration, temperature, pyridine concentration, and monomer concentration on polymer properties and lifetimes has been investigated. The results reveal substantial control over polymer assembly and disassembly kinetics, highlighting the potential for fine-tuned kinetic control in nonequilibrium polymerization systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirob K Saha
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, 651 E High St, Oxford, OH, 45056, United States
| | - William S Salvia
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, 651 E High St, Oxford, OH, 45056, United States
| | - Dominik Konkolewicz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, 651 E High St, Oxford, OH, 45056, United States
| | - C Scott Hartley
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, 651 E High St, Oxford, OH, 45056, United States
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2
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Fielden SDP. Kinetically Controlled and Nonequilibrium Assembly of Block Copolymers in Solution. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:18781-18796. [PMID: 38967256 PMCID: PMC11258791 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Covalent polymers are versatile macromolecules that have found widespread use in society. Contemporary methods of polymerization have made it possible to construct sequence polymers, including block copolymers, with high precision. Such copolymers assemble in solution when the blocks have differing solubilities. This produces nano- and microparticles of various shapes and sizes. While it is straightforward to draw an analogy between such amphiphilic block copolymers and phospholipids, these two classes of molecules show quite different assembly characteristics. In particular, block copolymers often assemble under kinetic control, thus producing nonequilibrium structures. This leads to a rich variety of behaviors being observed in block copolymer assembly, such as pathway dependence (e.g., thermal history), nonergodicity and responsiveness. The dynamics of polymer assemblies can be readily controlled using changes in environmental conditions and/or integrating functional groups situated on polymers with external chemical reactions. This perspective highlights that kinetic control is both pervasive and a useful attribute in the mechanics of block copolymer assembly. Recent examples are highlighted in order to show that toggling between static and dynamic behavior can be used to generate, manipulate and dismantle nonequilibrium states. New methods to control the kinetics of block copolymer assembly will provide endless unanticipated applications in materials science, biomimicry and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D. P. Fielden
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United
Kingdom
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3
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Rijns L, Baker MB, Dankers PYW. Using Chemistry To Recreate the Complexity of the Extracellular Matrix: Guidelines for Supramolecular Hydrogel-Cell Interactions. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:17539-17558. [PMID: 38888174 PMCID: PMC11229007 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02980] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogels have emerged as a promising class of extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking materials in regenerative medicine. Here, we briefly describe current state-of-the-art of ECM-mimicking hydrogels, ranging from natural to hybrid to completely synthetic versions, giving the prelude to the importance of supramolecular interactions to make true ECM mimics. The potential of supramolecular interactions to create ECM mimics for cell culture is illustrated through a focus on two different supramolecular hydrogel systems, both developed in our laboratories. We use some recent, significant findings to present important design principles underlying the cell-material interaction. To achieve cell spreading, we propose that slow molecular dynamics (monomer exchange within fibers) is crucial to ensure the robust incorporation of cell adhesion ligands within supramolecular fibers. Slow bulk dynamics (stress-relaxation─fiber rearrangements, τ1/2 ≈ 1000 s) is required to achieve cell spreading in soft gels (<1 kPa), while gel stiffness overrules dynamics in stiffer gels. Importantly, this resonates with the findings of others which specialize in different material types: cell spreading is impaired in case substrate relaxation occurs faster than clutch binding and focal adhesion lifetime. We conclude with discussing considerations and limitations of the supramolecular approach as well as provide a forward thinking perspective to further understand supramolecular hydrogel-cell interactions. Future work may utilize the presented guidelines underlying cell-material interactions to not only arrive at the next generation of ECM-mimicking hydrogels but also advance other fields, such as bioelectronics, opening up new opportunities for innovative applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rijns
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew B. Baker
- Department
of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology Inspired
Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department
of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology
Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht
University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia Y. W. Dankers
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven
University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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4
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Rajawasam CWH, Tran C, Sparks JL, Krueger WH, Hartley CS, Konkolewicz D. Carbodiimide-Driven Toughening of Interpenetrated Polymer Networks. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202400843. [PMID: 38517330 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202400843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Recent work has demonstrated that temporary crosslinks in polymer networks generated by chemical "fuels" afford materials with large, transient changes in their mechanical properties. This can be accomplished in carboxylic-acid-functionalized polymer hydrogels using carbodiimides, which generate anhydride crosslinks with lifetimes on the order of minutes to hours. Here, the impact of the polymer network architecture on the mechanical properties of transiently crosslinked materials was explored. Single networks (SNs) were compared to interpenetrated networks (IPNs). Notably, semi-IPN precursors that give IPNs on treatment with carbodiimide give much higher fracture energies (i.e., resistance to fracture) and superior resistance to compressive strain compared to other network architectures. A precursor semi-IPN material featuring acrylic acid in only the free polymer chains yields, on treatment with carbodiimide, an IPN with a fracture energy of 2400 J/m2, a fourfold increase compared to an analogous semi-IPN precursor that yields a SN. This resistance to fracture enables the formation of macroscopic complex cut patterns, even at high strain, underscoring the pivotal role of polymer architecture in mechanical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Corvo Tran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Jessica L Sparks
- Department of Chemical Paper and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - William H Krueger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - C Scott Hartley
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Dominik Konkolewicz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
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5
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Baretta R, Davidson-Rozenfeld G, Gutkin V, Frasconi M, Willner I. Chemical and Photochemical-Driven Dissipative Fe 3+/Fe 2+-Ion Cross-Linked Carboxymethyl Cellulose Gels Operating Under Aerobic Conditions: Applications for Transient Controlled Release and Mechanical Actuation. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:9957-9966. [PMID: 38547022 PMCID: PMC11009950 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c00625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
A Fe3+-ion cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose, Fe3+-CMC, redox-active gel exhibiting dissipative, transient stiffness properties is introduced. Chemical or photosensitized reduction of the higher-stiffness Fe3+-CMC to the lower-stiffness Fe2+-CMC gel, accompanied by the aerobic reoxidation of the Fe2+-CMC matrix, leads to the dissipative, transient stiffness, functional matrix. The light-induced, temporal, transient release of a load (Texas red dextran) and the light-triggered, transient mechanical bending of a poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (p-NIPAM)/Fe3+-CMC bilayer construct are introduced, thus demonstrating the potential use of the dissipative Fe3+-CMC gel for controlled drug release or soft robotic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Baretta
- The
Institute of Chemistry, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Gilad Davidson-Rozenfeld
- The
Institute of Chemistry, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Vitaly Gutkin
- The
Institute of Chemistry, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Marco Frasconi
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Itamar Willner
- The
Institute of Chemistry, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
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6
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Baretta R, Frasconi M. Electrically Powered Dissipative Hydrogel Networks Reveal Transient Stiffness Properties for Out-of-Equilibrium Operations. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:7408-7418. [PMID: 38440849 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c12653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Living systems use dissipative processes to enable precise spatiotemporal control over various functions, including the transient modulation of the stiffness of tissues, which, however, is challenging to achieve in soft materials. Here, we report a new platform to program hydrogel films with tunable, time-dependent mechanical properties under out-of-equilibrium conditions, powered by electricity. We show that the lifetime of the transient network of a surface-confined hydrogel film can be effectively controlled by programming the generation of an electrochemically oxidized mediator in the presence of a chemical or photoreducing agent in solution. It is, therefore, electrically possible to direct the transient stiffening or softening of the hydrogel film, enabling high modularity of the material functions with precise spatiotemporal control. Temporally controlled operations of the hydrogel films are demonstrated for the on-demand, dose-controlled release of multiple model protein payloads from electrode arrays using the present electrically powered dissipative system. This demonstration of electrically driven transient modulation of the stiffness properties of hydrogel films represents an important step toward the engineering of dissipative materials for developing future biomedical applications that can harness the temporal, adaptive properties of this new class of materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Baretta
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Frasconi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
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7
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Fu H, Cao N, Zeng W, Liao M, Yao S, Zhou J, Zhang W. Pumping Small Molecules Selectively through an Energy-Assisted Assembling Process at Nonequilibrium States. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:3323-3330. [PMID: 38273768 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c12228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
In living organisms, precise control over the spatial and temporal distribution of molecules, including pheromones, is crucial. This level of control is equally important for the development of artificial active materials. In this study, we successfully controlled the distribution of small molecules in the system at nonequilibrium states by actively transporting them, even against the apparent concentration gradient, with high selectivity. As a demonstration, in the aqueous solution of acid orange (AO7) and TMC10COOH, we found that AO7 molecules can coassemble with transient anhydride (TMC10CO)2O to form larger assemblies in the presence of chemical fuel 1-ethyl-3-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC). This led to a decrease in local free AO7 concentration and caused AO7 molecules from other locations in the solution to move toward the assemblies. Consequently, AO7 accumulates at the location where EDC was injected. By continuously injecting EDC, we could maintain a stable high value of the apparent AO7 concentration at the injection point. We also observed that this process which operated at nonequilibrium states exhibited high selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Fu
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China
| | - Nengjie Cao
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China
| | - Wang Zeng
- National Centre for Inorganic Mass Spectrometry in Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, P. R. China
| | - Min Liao
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China
| | - Shenglin Yao
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China
| | - Jiajia Zhou
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China
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8
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Tang J, Cheng Y, Ding M, Wang C. Bio-Inspired Far-From-Equilibrium Hydrogels: Design Principles and Applications. Chempluschem 2023; 88:e202300449. [PMID: 37787015 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202300449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Inspired from dynamic living systems that operate under out-of-equilibrium conditions in biology, developing supramolecular hydrogels with self-regulating and autonomously dynamic properties to further advance adaptive hydrogels with life-like behavior is important. This review presents recent progress of bio-inspired supramolecular hydrogels out-of-equilibrium. The principle of out-of-equilibrium self-assembly for creating bio-inspired hydrogels is discussed. Various design strategies have been identified, such as chemical-driven reaction cycles with feedback control and physically oscillatory systems. These strategies can be coupled with hydrogels to achieve temporal and spatial control over structural and mechanical properties as well as programmable lifetime. These studies open up huge opportunities for potential applications, such as fluidic guidance, information storage, drug delivery, actuators and more. Finally, we address the challenges ahead of us in the coming years, and future possibilities and prospects are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiadong Tang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Optics, Chongqing Institute of East China Normal University, Chongqing, 401120, China
| | - Yibo Cheng
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Muhua Ding
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Chen Wang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Optics, Chongqing Institute of East China Normal University, Chongqing, 401120, China
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9
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Wu X, Barner-Kowollik C. Fluorescence-readout as a powerful macromolecular characterisation tool. Chem Sci 2023; 14:12815-12849. [PMID: 38023522 PMCID: PMC10664555 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04052f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The last few decades have witnessed significant progress in synthetic macromolecular chemistry, which can provide access to diverse macromolecules with varying structural complexities, topology and functionalities, bringing us closer to the aim of controlling soft matter material properties with molecular precision. To reach this goal, the development of advanced analytical techniques, allowing for micro-, molecular level and real-time investigation, is essential. Due to their appealing features, including high sensitivity, large contrast, fast and real-time response, as well as non-invasive characteristics, fluorescence-based techniques have emerged as a powerful tool for macromolecular characterisation to provide detailed information and give new and deep insights beyond those offered by commonly applied analytical methods. Herein, we critically examine how fluorescence phenomena, principles and techniques can be effectively exploited to characterise macromolecules and soft matter materials and to further unravel their constitution, by highlighting representative examples of recent advances across major areas of polymer and materials science, ranging from polymer molecular weight and conversion, architecture, conformation to polymer self-assembly to surfaces, gels and 3D printing. Finally, we discuss the opportunities for fluorescence-readout to further advance the development of macromolecules, leading to the design of polymers and soft matter materials with pre-determined and adaptable properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Wu
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) 2 George Street Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia
| | - Christopher Barner-Kowollik
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) 2 George Street Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia
- Institute of Nanotechnology (INT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen Germany
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10
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Chen X, Soria-Carrera H, Zozulia O, Boekhoven J. Suppressing catalyst poisoning in the carbodiimide-fueled reaction cycle. Chem Sci 2023; 14:12653-12660. [PMID: 38020366 PMCID: PMC10646924 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04281b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In biology, cells regulate the function of molecules using catalytic reaction cycles that convert reagents with high chemical potential (fuel) to waste molecules. Inspired by biology, synthetic analogs of such chemical reaction cycles have been devised, and a widely used catalytic reaction cycle uses carboxylates as catalysts to accelerate the hydration of carbodiimides. The cycle is versatile and easy to use, so it is widely applied to regulate motors, pumps, self-assembly, and phase separation. However, the cycle suffers from side reactions, especially the formation of N-acylurea. In catalytic reaction cycles, side reactions are disastrous as they decrease the fuel's efficiency and, more importantly, destroy the molecular machinery or assembling molecules. Therefore, this work tested how to suppress N-acylurea by screening precursor concentration, its structure, carbodiimide structure, additives, temperature, and pH. It turned out that the combination of low temperature, low pH, and 10% pyridine as a fraction of the fuel could significantly suppress the N-acylurea side product and keep the reaction cycle highly effective to regulate successful assembly. We anticipate that our work will provide guidelines for using carbodiimide-fueled reaction cycles to regulate molecular function and how to choose optimal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyao Chen
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Science, Technical University of Munich Lichtenbergstrasse 4 85748 Garching bei München Germany
| | - Héctor Soria-Carrera
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Science, Technical University of Munich Lichtenbergstrasse 4 85748 Garching bei München Germany
| | - Oleksii Zozulia
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Science, Technical University of Munich Lichtenbergstrasse 4 85748 Garching bei München Germany
| | - Job Boekhoven
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Science, Technical University of Munich Lichtenbergstrasse 4 85748 Garching bei München Germany
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11
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Dissanayake TU, Hughes J, Woehl TJ. Dynamic surface chemistry and interparticle interactions mediating chemically fueled dissipative assembly of colloids. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 650:972-982. [PMID: 37453321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.06.207] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Dissipative assembly of colloids involves using a chemical fuel to temporarily activate organic colloid surface ligands to an assembly prone state. Colloids assemble into transient aggregates that disintegrate after the fuel is consumed. The underlying colloidal interactions controlling dissipative assembly have not been rigorously identified or quantified. We expect that fuel concentration dependent dissipative assembly behavior can be reconciled with measurements of dynamic colloid surface chemistry and colloidal interactions. EXPERIMENTS Carbodiimide chemistry was utilized to induce dissipative assembly of carboxylic acid functionalized polystyrene colloids. We measured aggregation kinetics, colloid surface hydrophobicity, and zeta potential as a function of time, which established that colloids underwent dissipative assembly for fuel concentrations between 5 and 12.5 mM and irreversible aggregation at higher fuel concentrations due to transient changes in surface chemistry. FINDINGS We formulated a pairwise colloidal interaction potential model including hydrophobic interactions quantified by fluorescence binding experiments. Fuel concentrations causing dissipative assembly displayed a transient increase in secondary minimum depth and a primary maximum much larger than the thermal potential. Fuel concentrations leading to irreversible aggregation displayed a primary maximum smaller than the thermal potential. This is the first study to quantify surface chemistry and interparticle interactions during dissipative colloid assembly and represents a foundational step in rationally designing more complex dissipative assembly systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilini U Dissanayake
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Justin Hughes
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Taylor J Woehl
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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12
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Wang Z, Xiao J, Zhao T, Zhang C, Wang L, He N, Kong Q, Wang X. Transient regulation of gel properties by chemical reaction networks. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:9818-9831. [PMID: 37497715 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc02479b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Transient regulation of gel properties by chemical reaction networks (CRNs) represents an emerging and effective strategy to program or temporally control the structures, properties, and functions of gel materials in a self-regulated manner. CRNs provide significant opportunities to construct complex or sustainable gels with excellent dynamic features, thus expanding the application scope of these materials. CRN-based methods for transiently regulating the gel properties are receiving increasing attention, and the related fields are worth further studying. This feature article focuses on the CRN-mediated transient regulation of six properties of gels, which are transient gelation, transient liquefaction of gels, transient assembly of macroscopic gels, temporary actuation of gels, transient healing ability of kinetically inert gels, and cascade reaction-based self-reporting of external stimuli. Recent advances that showcase the six properties of gels controlled by CRNs are featured, the characterization and structural elucidation of gels are detailed, and the significance, achievements, and expectations of this field are discussed. The strategy of transient regulation of gel properties via CRNs is potentially useful for building the next generation of adaptive functional materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongrui Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials and Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China.
| | - Jing Xiao
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials and Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China.
| | - Ting Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials and Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China.
| | - Chunxiao Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials and Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China.
| | - Luping Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials and Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China.
| | - Nan He
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials and Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China.
| | - Qingming Kong
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials and Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China.
| | - Xu Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials and Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China.
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13
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Zhao T, Wang Z, Yang Y, Liu K, Wang X. Cyclic Macroscopic Assembly and Disassembly Driven by Ionic Strength Fuel: A Waste-Free Approach. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37402443 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c06995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Nonequilibrium assembling systems developed so far have relied on chemical fuels to drive the programmable pH cycles, redox reactions, and metastable bond formations. However, these methods often result in the unwanted accumulation of chemical waste. Herein, we present a novel strategy for achieving cyclic and waste-free nonequilibrium assembly and disassembly of macroscopic hydrogels, utilizing an ionic strength-mediated approach. Our strategy involves using ammonium carbonate as a chemical fuel to temporally regulate the attractions between oppositely charged hydrogels via ionic strength-controlled charge screening and hydrogel elasticity changes. This chemical fuel effectively mediates the assembly/disassembly processes and prevents waste accumulation, as ammonium carbonate can completely decompose into volatile chemical waste. The cyclic and reversible assembly process can be achieved without significant damping due to the self-clearance mechanism, as long as the chemical fuel is repeatedly supplied. This concept holds promise for creating macroscopic and microscopic nonequilibrium systems and self-adaptive materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P. R. China
| | - Zhongrui Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P. R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P. R. China
| | - Kun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P. R. China
| | - Xu Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P. R. China
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