Longitudinal zipping/unzipping of self-assembled organic tubes

A novel near-infrared polymethine dye biosensor for rapid and selective detection of lithocholic acid

Lithocholic acid (LCA), a secondary bile acid, has emerged as a potential early diagnostic biomarker for various liver diseases. In this study, we introduce a novel near-infrared (NIR) polymethine dye-based biosensor, capable of sensitive and selective detection of LCA in phosphate buffer and artificial urine (AU) solutions. The detection mechanism relies on the formation of J-aggregates resulting from the interplay of 3,3-Diethylthiatricarbocyanine iodide (DiSC2(7)) dye molecules and LCA, which induces a distinctive red shift in both absorption and fluorescence spectra. The biosensor demonstrates a detection limit for LCA of 70 μM in PBS solution (pH 7.4), while in AU solution, it responds to an LCA concentration as low as ∼60 μM. Notably, the proposed biosensor exhibits outstanding selectivity for LCA, effectively distinguishing it from common interferents such as uric acid, ascorbic acid, and glucose. This rapid, straightforward, and cost-effective spectrometer-based method underscores its potential for early diagnosis of liver diseases by monitoring LCA concentrations.

Photo-responsive hole formation in the monolayer membrane wall of a supramolecular nanotube for quick recovery of encapsulated protein

Nanotubes with a single monolayer membrane wall comprised of a synthetic glycolipid and one of two synthetic azobenzene derivatives were assembled. X-ray diffraction, infrared, UV-visible, and circular dichroism spectroscopy clarified the embedding style of the azobenzene derivatives in the membrane wall, revealing that, depending on their different intermolecular hydrogen bond strengths, one azobenzene derivative was individually dispersed whereas the other formed a J-type aggregate. The non-aggregated derivative was insensitive to UV irradiation due to tight fixation by the surrounding glycolipid. In contrast, the aggregated derivative was sensitive to UV irradiation, which induced trans-to-cis isomerization of the derivative and disassembly of the J-type aggregate. Subsequent dissociation of the derivative into the bulk solution resulted in the formation of many nanometer-scale holes in the membrane wall. Although a model protein encapsulated within the nanotubes was slowly released over time from the two open ends of the nanotubes without UV irradiation, exposure to UV irradiation resulted in faster, preferential release of the protein through the holes in the membrane wall. The present findings are expected to facilitate the development not only of efficient means of recovering guest compounds stored within nanotubes but also the development of novel stimuli-responsive capsules in biological and medical fields.

Stimuli-Responsive Transformable Supramolecular Nanotubes

Supramolecular nanotubes produced by self-assembly of organic molecules can have unique structural features such as a one-dimensional morphology with no branching, distinguishable inner and outer surfaces and membrane walls, or a structure that is hollow and has a high aspect ratio. Incorporation of functional groups that respond to external chemical or physical stimuli into the constituent organic molecules of supramolecular nanotubes allows us to drastically change the structure of the nanotubes by applying such stimuli. This ability affords an array of controllable approaches for the encapsulation, storage, and release of guest compounds, which is expected to be useful in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. In this article, I review the supramolecular nanotubes developed by our group that exhibit morphological transformations in response to pH, chemical reaction, light, temperature, or moisture.

Fluorescent H-Aggregate Vesicles and Tubes of a Cyanine Dye and Their Potential as Light-Harvesting Antennae

H-aggregates of π-conjugated dyes are an ordered supramolecular structure. However, the non-fluorescence behavior of H-aggregates greatly limits their potential applications. In this paper, we report the formation of fluorescent H-aggregates with vesicular and tubular morphologies by the self-assembly of 3,3'-diethylthiacarbocyanine iodide (DiSC₂(3)) in ammonia/methanol mixtures. The transition from H-aggregate vesicles to H-aggregate tubes can be achieved by increasing the volume fraction of methanol in the mixtures. H-aggregate vesicles and tubes show two blue-shifted absorption bands and strong fluorescence, which result from the inclined arrangement of DiSC₂(3) molecules. Furthermore, light-harvesting complexes are formed by adding dopamine (DA)-quinone (acceptor) in synthetic urine with H-aggregate vesicles or tubes. Our results show that H-aggregate tubes are more efficient than H-aggregate vesicles in transferring excited electrons to DA-quinone acceptors.

Physiology and Physical Chemistry of Bile Acids

Bile acids (BAs) are facial amphiphiles synthesized in the body of all vertebrates. They undergo the enterohepatic circulation: they are produced in the liver, stored in the gallbladder, released in the intestine, taken into the bloodstream and lastly re-absorbed in the liver. During this pathway, BAs are modified in their molecular structure by the action of enzymes and bacteria. Such transformations allow them to acquire the chemical-physical properties needed for fulling several activities including metabolic regulation, antimicrobial functions and solubilization of lipids in digestion. The versatility of BAs in the physiological functions has inspired their use in many bio-applications, making them important tools for active molecule delivery, metabolic disease treatments and emulsification processes in food and drug industries. Moreover, moving over the borders of the biological field, BAs have been largely investigated as building blocks for the construction of supramolecular aggregates having peculiar structural, mechanical, chemical and optical properties. The review starts with a biological analysis of the BAs functions before progressively switching to a general overview of BAs in pharmacology and medicine applications. Lastly the focus moves to the BAs use in material science.

Davydov Split Aggregates of Cyanine Dyes on Self-Assembled Nanotubes

The Davydov splitting of dye aggregates represents unique molecular excitons. In this paper, we report the formation of Davydov split aggregates of 3,3'-diethylthiacarbocyanine iodide (DiSC₂ (3)) and 3,3'-diethylthiadicarbocyanine iodide (DiSC₂ (5)) templated by the helical nanotubes of lithocholic acid (LCA). The templated Davydiv split aggregates show a strong J-band and a weak H-band in the adsorption spectra. As the LCA helical nanotubes transform into a straight shape, the relative intensities of the J-band and the H-band of the templated Davydov split aggregates become roughly equal. The twisted angle change of the transition moment of DiSC₂ (3) and DiSC₂ (5) molecules in the templated Davydov split aggregates in response to the helical-to-straight shape transformation of LCA nanotubes is estimated. The templated Dvaydov split aggregates with well-defined shapes and molecular excitons are of interest for artificial light-harvesting and optoelectronic devices.

Time-controllable roll-up onset of polythiophene sheets into nanotubes that exhibit circularly polarized luminescence

Self-assembly of a polythiophene-conjugated glycolipid exclusively produced square sheets a few micrometers on each side. Seventeen hours after the sheets were dispersed in ethanol at 25 °C, they suddenly started to roll up, and eventually they were completely transformed into nanotubes. The onset timing of the roll-up was temperature-dependent. The roll-up involved rearrangement of the molecular packing within the bilayer membranes, which was accompanied by strengthening of the intermolecular hydrogen bonds, alteration of the polythiophene aggregation mode and enhancement of supramolecular chirality due to chiral packing. The nanotubes exhibited not only strong fluorescence derived from J-type aggregation of the polythiophene aromatic moiety but also circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) originating from the left-handed helicity of the polythiophene main chain backbone. Because the CPL onset was concurrent with the sheet roll-up, the CPL onset was also able to be controlled by varying the temperature. Such delayed CPL onset has never been reported in chiral supramolecular structures, in which CPL onset and helicity inversion usually begin immediately upon application of a stimulus and then progress either quickly or gradually. Our findings can be expected to facilitate the development of new stimulus-responsive supramolecular structures that can be used for delayed-action capsules or optical switching devices.

Soft-Matter Nanotubes: A Platform for Diverse Functions and Applications

Self-assembled organic nanotubes made of single or multiple molecular components can be classified into soft-matter nanotubes (SMNTs) by contrast with hard-matter nanotubes, such as carbon and other inorganic nanotubes. To date, diverse self-assembly processes and elaborate template procedures using rationally designed organic molecules have produced suitable tubular architectures with definite dimensions, structural complexity, and hierarchy for expected functions and applications. Herein, we comprehensively discuss every functions and possible applications of a wide range of SMNTs as bulk materials or single components. This Review highlights valuable contributions mainly in the past decade. Fifteen different families of SMNTs are discussed from the viewpoints of chemical, physical, biological, and medical applications, as well as action fields (e.g., interior, wall, exterior, whole structure, and ensemble of nanotubes). Chemical applications of the SMNTs are associated with encapsulating materials and sensors. SMNTs also behave, while sometimes undergoing morphological transformation, as a catalyst, template, liquid crystal, hydro-/organogel, superhydrophobic surface, and micron size engine. Physical functions pertain to ferro-/piezoelectricity and energy migration/storage, leading to the applications to electrodes or supercapacitors, and mechanical reinforcement. Biological functions involve artificial chaperone, transmembrane transport, nanochannels, and channel reactors. Finally, medical functions range over drug delivery, nonviral gene transfer vector, and virus trap.

Morphology Transformation of Supramolecular Structures in Aqueous Mixtures of Two Oppositely Charged Amphiphiles

The co-assembly of oppositely charged amphiphiles provides a fascinating approach for forming complex supramolecular structures, which are interesting from both fundamental and technological viewpoints. Here, we report a stepwise morphology transformation of co-assembled supramolecular structures in the aqueous mixture of lithocholic acid (LCA) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) at mixed molar ratios of 1:1 and 2:1. The co-assembly of LCA and CTAB initially forms multilamellar vesicles followed by the spontaneous growth of membrane tubes from the vesicles. The vesicle-to-tube transition is accompanied by a fluidic-to-crystalline phase transition. After being aged, the membrane tubes twist into left-handed helices, which then intertwine into left-handed double helices and multihelix bundles. The single handedness of these supramolecular structures is a reflection of the amplification of the chirality of LCA. An understanding of the co-assembly mechanism and pathway is a key step toward producing supramolecular structures with distinguished morphologies.

Bile Salts: Natural Surfactants and Precursors of a Broad Family of Complex Amphiphiles

Bile salts (BSs) are naturally occurring rigid surfactants with a steroidal skeleton and specific self-assembly and interface behaviors. Using bile salts as precursors, derivatives can be synthesized to obtain molecules with specific functionalities and amphiphilic structure. Modifications on single molecules are normally performed by substituting the least-hindered hydroxyl group on carbon C-3 of the steroidal A ring or at the end of the lateral chain. This leads to monosteroidal rigid building blocks that are often able to self-organize into 1D structures such as tubules, twisted ribbons, and fibrils with helical supramolecular packing. Tubular aggregates are of particular interest, and they are characterized by cross-section inner diameters spanning a wide range of values (3-500 nm). They can form through appealing pH- or temperature-responsive aggregation and in mixtures of bile salt derivatives to provide mixed tubules with tunable charge and size. Other derivatives can be prepared by covalently linking two or more bile salt molecules to provide complex systems such as oligomers, dendrimers, and polymeric materials. The unconventional amphiphilic molecular structure imparts specific features to BSs and derivatives that can be exploited in the formulation of capsules, drug carriers, dispersants, and templates for the synthesis of nanomaterials.

Observing the Kinetic Pathway of Nanotube Formation from Bolaamphiphiles by Time-Resolved Small-Angle X-ray Scattering

We investigated the formation kinetics of a single monolayer nanotube from bolaamphiphiles (consisting of a sugar residue, an alkyl chain, and an amino group) in solution. In this bolaamphiphile, a transition from a monomerically dispersed state to the nanotube takes place by changing the solvent condition. This transition was induced by fast mixing with a stopped-flow apparatus. From just after the mixing, this transition process was monitored in situ by time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering. In this manner, we were able to derive the direct structural information as a function of time during the nanotube formation. The results revealed that disklike aggregates initially formed, which then grew and closed to produce a tubular structure.

Moisture-responsive supramolecular nanotubes

Living organisms have evolved functional structures for seeds dispersal in response to humidity changes. In this study, we construct moisture-responsive nanotubes by the supramolecular coordination of a peptide lipid with metal ions for potential applications in material delivery systems. These hydrophilic nanotubes can uptake atmospheric moisture and the water molecules are associated with unsaturated metal centers of the bis(lipid)-metal(ii) complex, thereby changing the molecular packing and inducing morphological transformation from nanotubes to sheets. The moisture responsivity of nanotubes depends on the hydration behavior of the metal ions. Co(ii)-coordinated nanotube shows higher moisture responsivity than that of the Zn(ii)-coordinated one since Co(ii) ion has stronger association with water molecules. These two nanotubes are self-assembled by the same molecular packings; however, they show different mechanisms in morphological changes. The Co(ii)-coordinated nanotube transforms into a sheet accompanied with the destruction of the complex and reverse molecular packing, whereas Zn(ii)-coordinated nanotube transforms into a sheet with a change in the complex geometry. Further, the Co(ii)-coordinated nanotubes exhibit reversible morphological changes between nanotubes and sheets, while Zn(ii)-coordinated nanotubes exhibit a one-way morphological change. These nanotubes also show potential applications in the release of fragrance oil under high humidity environments.

Formation of Spherulitic J-Aggregates from the Coassembly of Lithocholic Acid and Cyanine Dye

Supramolecular aggregates of organic dyes through noncovalent interactions have attracted great interest because they exhibit collective optical and excitonic properties. We report the formation of spherulitic J-aggregates from the coassembly of lithocholic acid (LCA) and 3,3'-diethylthiacarbocyanine iodide (DiSC₂(3)) in ammonia solution. Each spherulite contains a core, which serves as a nucleus for the growth of radially oriented J-aggregate fibrils. We find that the growth of spherulitic J-aggregates exhibits a sigmoidal kinetic curve with an initial lag time, followed by a period of rapid growth and a finally slow approach to equilibrium.

Tailoring supramolecular nanotubes by bile salt based surfactant mixtures

An approach for tailoring self-assembled tubular structures is described. By controlling the relative composition of a two-component surfactant mixture comprising the natural bile salt lithocholate and its bolamphiphilic derivative, it was possible to finely tune the nanotube cross-section of the mixed tubular aggregates that self-associated spontaneously in aqueous solution at pH 12. The diameter was found to vary up to 50% when the stoichiometric ratio of the two bile salts was changed. The tuning of supramolecular nanochannels with such remarkable precision is of significant interest for technological applications of these materials.

Multi stimuli response of a single surfactant presenting a rich self-assembly behavior

A bile salt derived surfactant shows an unusually rich multi responsive self-assembly, involving interesting opening/closure mechanisms of supramolecular tubules and drastic spectroscopic variations, potentially exploitable in sensing.

Self-assembly of J-aggregate nanotubes and their applications for sensing dopamine

J-aggregates are an attractive supramolecular structure with interesting excitation properties found in the light-harvesting antenna of green sulfur bacteria. To structurally mimic the light-harvesting antenna, we synthesize J-aggregate nanotubes with a sharp and intense absorption band (J-band) by the coassembly of lithocholic acid (LCA) and 3,3'-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine iodide (DiSC3(5)) in aqueous solution. We show that the J-aggregate nanotubes can be used as a supramolecular probe for the sensitive and selective detection of dopamine (DA) in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution with the detection limit of ∼0.4 nM by simply observing the intensity change of the J-band due to the efficient photoinduced electron transfer from the J-aggregate nanotubes to the adsorbed DA.

Self-assembly of sodium 4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)benzoate into ultralong microbelts

Ultralong SDB microbelts with interesting optical and electrical properties were successfully fabricated by the poor solvent mediated self-assembly method.

Reversible 2D/3D coatings from zipper-assembly of block copolymer micelles

A zipper-assembly of micelles into 2D/3D coatings is reported. Block copolymer micelles that incorporate a poly(n-octadecyl methacrylate) block are zipped and unzipped on demand onto a PMMA surface. The mechanism implies an interdigitation of molecular brushes enabling 15 nm micelles to be assembled into monolayers or multilayers.

pH sensitive tubules of a bile acid derivative: a tubule opening by release of wall leaves

Tubules formed by self-assembly of organic molecules have vast potential for nanotechnology applications, and the introduction of sensitivity to stimuli into self-assembly tubules represents a particularly attractive feature. Here we report the preparation and characterization of a molecule obtained by chemical modification of a natural bile acid, a biological surfactant, that self-assembles in pH sensitive tubules in aqueous solutions. The tubules, which are rigid, single-walled and with a diameter of 60 nm, form at pH 8-9 and open up when the pH is increased. The transition is reversible, it occurs in the pH range of 9-10 with an opening mechanism that is remarkably different from those so far proposed in the literature. It involves a release of wall layers similar to leaves, and is determined by a drastic pH-triggered change in the molecular arrangement, which in turn induces a radical modification of the wall curvature. The description of the morphological transformation is provided by means of cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and represents, to our knowledge, the first detailed visualization of pH stimulated tubule opening. UV and circular dichroism spectroscopies are used to investigate the evolution at the molecular level.

Drug-loaded nanoparticles and supramolecular nanotubes formed from a volatile microemulsion with bile salt derivatives

The main objective of this study was to form nanoparticles of a model hydrophobic drug, celecoxib, from a volatile microemulsion stabilized by a bile salt derivative. Nanoparticles were obtained by conversion of the microemulsion nanodroplets with the dissolved drug into solid nanometric particles. The use of bile salt derivatives as the surfactants for the formation of a microemulsion enabled significantly higher loading of the drug in both the microemulsion and nanoparticles, compared with the native bile salt. In addition, superior stability of the particles was achieved with the bile salt derivatives, and drug crystallization was inhibited. Interestingly, differences in particle stability and crystallization inhibition were observed between two bile salt derivatives differing only by one hydroxyl group on the bile salt backbone, indicating the delicate balance of interactions in the system. For one of the derivatives, upon dispersion of the nanoparticles in water, they spontaneously arranged into well-defined elongated nanometric tubules as detected and attested by cryo-TEM. It was found that the drug present in nanoparticles induces formation of the nanotubes.