Chemistry - An Asian Journal · 2012 · 53 citations · 135 references
Natural SciencesBiochemistryMaterials ScienceBiomaterialsPolymer ChemistryPolymer EngineeringGelsHydrogelsMacromolecular AssemblyPeptide ChemistrySupramolecular GelsSupramolecular MaterialsAmino Acid-based GelsMicroscopic MorphologyPeptide Self-assemblyPeptide-based GelsPhotoresponsive GelsPhotoresponsive MaterialsSol - Gel TransitionSol-gel Transition
A synthetic amino acid (with a stilbene residue in the main chain) containing a tripeptide-based organogelator has been discovered. This peptide-based synthetic molecule 1 self-assembles in various organic solvents to form an organogel. The gel has been thoroughly characterized by using various microscopic techniques including field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy, and rheology. Morphological investigations using FESEM and AFM show a nanofibrillar network structure. Interestingly, the organogel is photoresponsive and a gel-sol transition occurred by irradiating the gel with UV light of 365 nm for 2 h as shown by the UV and fluorescence study. This photoresponsive fluorescent gel holds promise for new peptide-based soft materials with interesting applications.
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Enzymatic Hydrogelation of Small Molecules
Zhimou Yang, Gaolin Liang, Bing Xu · Accounts of Chemical Research · 2008 · 659 citations