Supramolecular gels derived from nucleoside based bolaamphiphiles as a light-sensitive soft material

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Low Molecular Weight Gelators (LMWGs) are crucial in developing advanced materials.
• Glyconucleoside bolaamphiphiles offer unique structural properties for self-assembly.
• Stilbene units provide photoresponsive characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel light-sensitive LMWGs.
• To investigate the gelation properties of these compounds in hydroalcoholic mixtures.
• To explore their potential for photoresponsive drug delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of glyconucleoside bolaamphiphiles incorporating a stilbene moiety.
• Gelation studies in various hydroalcoholic solvent systems.
• Photoresponsive behavior analysis using UV irradiation and monitoring gel-sol transitions.

Main Results:

• The synthesized glyconucleoside bolaamphiphiles effectively formed hydrogels in hydroalcoholic mixtures.
• A distinct light-induced gel-sol transition was observed upon UV irradiation.
• The E-Z isomerization of the stilbene unit was identified as the mechanism for photoresponsiveness.

Conclusions:

• Developed light-sensitive LMWGs demonstrate controllable gel-sol transitions.
• These photoresponsive materials hold significant potential for advanced drug delivery platforms.
• The study highlights the utility of glyconucleoside bolaamphiphiles in designing functional supramolecular systems.