Abstract
We describe a new dipeptide hydrogel based on an oligophenylene vinylene core. After gelation, the initial network evolves, expelling solvent and resulting in syneresis. We describe this process and the effects in the bulk properties of the material.
Highlights
Low molecular weight gels (LMWGs), assembled from small molecular building blocks, are emerging as useful soft materials.[1]
The shrinking/swelling processes of a glycosylated amino acetate gelator were found to be thermal and pHresponsive,5a while these processes for an amphiphilic dendron gelator could be triggered with metal ions.5c We have reported a few peptide-based LMWG which exhibit syneresis[6] no detailed study of the process has been reported to date
The contraction/swelling of supramolecular hydrogels has been previously ascribed to pH changes or electrostatic interactions between fibres,5a–c whereas the syneresis of a molecular organogel was demonstrated to be related with a structural change in the gel network.5d We have previously related syneresis with low hydrophobicity of the gelator.6a 2 is slightly less hydrophobic than 1 (c log P = 5.03 for 1 and 4.73 for 2, as determined using an online prediction programme).[17]
Summary
Low molecular weight gels (LMWGs), assembled from small molecular building blocks, are emerging as useful soft materials.[1]. When using 3 mg mLÀ1 of GdL to trigger gelation of a solution of 1 (5 mg mLÀ1, pH = 10), a weak gel forms within 6 hours and at a pH above 4.6 (Fig. 1b).
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