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Self-Sorted Pyrene and Ferrocene Functionalized G-Quadruplex Gel: Enhanced Mechanical Strength and Self-Healing via
Chandrakanta Guchhait1, Nihar Sahu1, Indrajit Mohanta1
1Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha, India.
Chemistry, an Asian Journal
|May 14, 2026
Summary
Pyrene and ferrocene G-quadruplex fibers self-sort and network, creating stronger, self-healing supramolecular biomaterials with enhanced gelation and controlled release capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Cells integrate biomolecules for complex functions, but interactions in mixtures are poorly understood.
- Individual (supra)molecular assembly is well-studied, yet synergistic effects in mixed systems require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the self-sorting and networking behavior of pyrene (Py) and ferrocene (Fc) conjugated G-quadruplex fibers in mixtures.
- To explore how these interactions influence the structural and mechanical properties of the resulting supramolecular biomaterials.
- To assess the potential of these materials for applications like controlled drug release.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of pyrene (Py) and ferrocene (Fc) conjugated G-quadruplex fibers.
- Analysis of fiber self-sorting and inter-fiber cross-linking using photoluminescence spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy.
- Evaluation of gelation efficiency (minimum gelation concentration - MGC) and mechanical properties of mixed gels.
- Assessment of self-healing capabilities and controlled release of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and methyl orange (MO).
Main Results:
- Py- and Fc-conjugated G-quadruplex fibers self-sort due to preferential Py-Py π-π interactions.
- Weak Py-Fc interactions promote inter-fiber cross-linking, enhancing gelation efficiency and mechanical strength.
- The mixed gel exhibits rapid self-healing properties, overcoming the typical trade-off with toughness.
- Tunable mechanical properties facilitate controlled release of model proteins (BSA) and dyes (MO).
Conclusions:
- Strategic use of weak complementary interactions can significantly improve supramolecular biomaterial properties.
- Self-sorted and networked G-quadruplex fibers offer a promising platform for advanced biomaterials.
- These findings suggest potential applications in drug delivery and other fields requiring tunable mechanical and self-healing materials.
