Multi-stimuli responsive heterotypic hydrogels based on nucleolipids show selective dye adsorption
Ashok Nuthanakanti1, Seergazhi G Srivatsan1
1Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Dr Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan, Pune 411008, India.
Nanoscale Advances
|July 21, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed novel nucleolipid hydrogels from nucleoside-fatty acid conjugates. These responsive hydrogels selectively adsorb toxic dyes and are stimuli-responsive for material applications.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular chemistry
- Materials science
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Nucleic acid derivatives are building blocks for supramolecular architectures.
- Applications are primarily in biomedicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct a multi-stimuli responsive, toxic dye adsorbing heterotypic hydrogel system.
- To utilize simple nucleoside-fatty acid conjugates for hydrogel formation.
Main Methods:
- Nucleolipids synthesized by coupling fatty acids to ribothymidine and uridine.
- Hydrolysis triggered self-assembly in the presence of a strong base and Na+ ions.
- Characterization using microscopy, NMR, X-ray diffraction, and rheology.
Main Results:
- Formation of heterotypic hydrogels dependent on Na+ ions.
- Hierarchical assembly driven by electrostatic interactions between deprotonated nucleolipid and fatty acid salt.
- Hydrogels exhibit reversible gel-sol transitions controlled by temperature, pH, and host-guest interactions.
- Selective adsorption and recyclable capture of cationic dyes like methylene blue and rhodamine 6G.
Conclusions:
- The nucleolipid hydrogel system is easily scalable and multi-stimuli responsive.
- Demonstrates potential in material applications and dye industry waste treatment.
