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Lithium-selective supramolecular assembly and capture by tripeptide gelators
Dipankar Ghosh1, Ralf Schweins2, Andrew J Smith3
1School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ UK dave.adams@glasgow.ac.uk.
Chemical Science
|April 22, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a new peptide gelator that selectively responds to lithium ions. This discovery enables the creation of highly viscous solutions and shows potential for selective lithium capture applications.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Low-molecular-weight gelators are crucial in various applications.
- Introducing ion-responsiveness enhances material functionality.
- Peptide-based self-assembly offers tunable properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design lithium-responsive peptide gelators.
- To investigate cation-mediated self-assembly mechanisms.
- To explore potential applications in selective ion capture.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of the FFD tripeptide motif into N-capped peptides.
- Characterization of solution properties (viscosity, birefringence) under varying cation conditions.
- Structural analysis using Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) and Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS).
- Quantification of lithium uptake using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES).
Main Results:
- The FFD motif enables selective lithium ion binding and gelation in aqueous solutions.
- Lithium ions induce highly viscous, shear-thinning, and birefringent solutions.
- SAXS/SANS data reveal formation of extended cylindrical micellar structures upon Li+ addition.
- Other monovalent cations and organic counterions do not induce similar assembly or properties.
- Dialysis-driven Li+ exchange successfully induces gelation.
Conclusions:
- A novel design strategy for lithium-responsive peptide gelators was established.
- The FFD sequence is key to lithium selectivity, with tunable packing via aromatic caps.
- The developed materials demonstrate potential for selective lithium capture and controlled gelation.
