Glucose-cored poly(aryl ether) dendron based low molecular weight gels: pH controlled morphology and hybrid hydrogel formation

Abstract

We designed poly(aryl ether) dendron based transparent hydrogels containing glucose moiety, which undergoes in situ transition from nanofibers to spherical aggregates, upon pH variation. The process is reversible and the assembled structures have been characterized by DLS and SEM. More importantly, efficient dispersion of graphene oxide results in lower CGC (0.08 wt%) value and higher mechanical strength, compared to the native gel.