Non-equilibrium dissipative supramolecular materials with a tunable lifetime

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Biomimetic Chemistry

Background:

• Biological materials often exist in non-equilibrium states, utilizing energy consumption for unique properties.
• These energy-dissipating structures exhibit kinetic control, allowing for spatiotemporal regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create synthetic materials that mimic non-equilibrium biological systems.
• To explore the unique properties and applications of these man-made energy-driven materials.

Main Methods:

• A chemical reaction network was designed to convert dicarboxylates into metastable anhydrides.
• This conversion was driven by the irreversible consumption of carbodiimide fuels.
• The resulting anhydrides were engineered for self-assembly into various material forms.

Main Results:

• The synthetic anhydrides demonstrated controlled formation and rapid hydrolysis back to dicarboxylates.
• These materials were successfully assembled into hydrophobic colloids, hydrogels, and inks.
• Spatiotemporal control over material formation and degradation was achieved, enabling predictable content release and temporary structures.

Conclusions:

• Man-made materials driven by fuel consumption can replicate the non-equilibrium properties of biological systems.
• These materials offer tunable spatiotemporal control for applications in responsive colloids, transient hydrogels, and erasable inks.
• The developed materials exhibit reusability over multiple cycles, enhancing their practical utility.