A multi-stimuli responsive organogel based on a tetrapeptide–dithienylcyclopentene conjugate

Abstract

Multi-stimuli responsive organogels based on low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs) have attracted much attention due to their potential applications. Herein, the synthesis and the self-assembly behavior of a novel molecular gelator based on a tetrapeptide-dithienylcyclopentene conjugate is described. This gelator forms stable gels in THF, acetone and acetonitrile, in which the formation of anti-parallel b-sheets of the biomimetic tetrapeptides is the key driving force. Further studies suggest that the organogel is multi-responsive to various external stimuli including temperature, light, chemicals, and mechanical force. Moreover, in the presence of catechol, this gelator forms a more robust organogel, accompanied by a dramatic change of the assembly manner and rheological properties. These prominent features of this conjugate make it an excellent smart soft material with potential applications in areas such as drug encapsulation and release systems.

Multi-Stimuli-Responsive Polymer Materials: Particles, Films, and Bulk Gels

“…The reversible photochromic behavior was attributed to the conformational change of dithienylcyclopentene. In the presence of catechol, the gelator formed a more robust organogel, accompanied by a dramatic change of the assembly manner and rheological properties 306…”

A ferrocene-based organogel with multi-stimuli properties and applications in naked-eye recognition of F− and Al3+

“…[15][16][17][18][19] Signicant progress in the formation of such smart so materials has been made during the past few years. [20][21][22][23][24][25][26] However, it is still a great challenge to design a high performance stimuli-responsive gel system with multiple functions.…”

Multifunctional Photo‐ and Redox‐Active Tetrathiafulvalene‐based Organogelators: A Modular Approach

“…They offer a possible control over the macroscopic properties of the gel by chemical modifications of the gelator backbone at the molecular level. Of particular interest is the research towards stimuli-responsive gels, [2] as these provide attractive and elegant access to stimuli-responsive soft materials for diverse applications ranging from bioscience to nanotechnology including sensing, [3] molecular logic gates, [4] and novel families of smart materials. [5] On this ground, new gelation motifs are highly desirable for both fundamental and practical standpoints.…”