Cohelical Crossover Network by Supramolecular Polymerization of a 4,6-Acetalized β-1,3-Glucan Macromer

Natural polysaccharides represent a renewable resource whose effective utilization is of increasing importance. Chemical modification is a powerful tool to transform them into processable materials but usually sacrifices the original structures and properties of value. Here we introduce a chemical modification of Curdlan, a β-1,3-glucan, via 4,6-acetalization. This modification has successfully combined a helix-forming ability of Curdlan with new solubility in organic media. Furthermore, it has operationalized efficient cohelical crossovers (CCs) among the helices to demonstrate the formation of an extensive supramolecular network that goes well beyond the nanoscopic regime, allowing for preparation of flexible self-supporting films with macroscopic dimensions. This protocol, which is now viewed as supramolecular polymerization of a helical polysaccharide macromer, can add a new dimension to "polysaccharide nanotechnology", opening a door for the creation of unconventional polymer materials based on the cohelical crossover network (CCN).