Thixotropic and self-healing triggered reversible rheology switching in a peptide-based organogel with a cross-linked nano-ring pattern

Abstract

A distinct and well-defined nano/micro-ring structure has been obtained from the gelation process in an asymmetric peptide-based organogel. The size of the ring can be tuned in a facile manner by varying the concentration and solvent of the gel, as well as with a sonication stimulus. The gel responds to mechanical stimulus by the ring separating into a biased arc structure to expel the solvent molecules from the gel network, resulting in a gel to sol transition. The gel can self-heal again after resting and this process is reversible many times. Thus a reversible rheological switch upon alternate shaking and resting is performed via the distinct ring disintegration and reconstitution of the gel network. It was interesting to note that the gelation also takes place by a simple shaking–resting process in a solvent/solid system at room temperature without a heating–cooling process.