Mechanistic Insights into the Self-Assembly of an Acid-Sensitive Photoresponsive Supramolecular Polymer
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Directed Assembly of Elastin-like Proteins into defined Supramolecular Structures and Cargo Encapsulation In Vitro
Published on: April 8, 2020
Kalathil K Kartha1, Naveen Kumar Allampally2, Shiki Yagai3
1Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 40, 48149, Münster, Germany.
Abstract:
The supramolecular polymerization of an acid-sensitive pyridyl-based ligand (L1 ) bearing a photoresponsive azobenzene moiety was elucidated by mechanistic studies. Addition of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) led to the transformation of the antiparallel H-bonded fibers of L1 in methylcyclohexane into superhelical braid-like fibers stabilized by H-bonding of parallel-stacked monomer units. Interestingly, L1 dimers held together by unconventional pyridine-TFA N⋅⋅⋅H⋅⋅⋅O bridges represent the main structural elements of the assembly. UV-light irradiation caused a strain-driven disassembly and subsequent aggregate reconstruction, which ultimately led to short fibers. The results allowed to understand the mechanism of mutual influence of acid and light stimuli on supramolecular polymerization processes, thus opening up new possibilities to design advanced stimuli-triggered supramolecular systems.
Related Concept Videos
Polymers
Polymers
Nucleic acids
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes,...
Nucleic Acids
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes,...
Mechanistic Models: Overview of Compartment Models
Protein Complex Assembly
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...

