Formation Of Supramolecular Materials Research Articles

Natural Products from Herbal Medicine Self-Assemble into Advanced Bioactive Materials.

Novel biomaterials are becoming more crucial in treating human diseases. However, many materials require complex artificial modifications and synthesis, leading to potential difficulties in preparation, side effects, and clinical translation. Recently, significant progress has been achieved in terms of direct self-assembly of natural products from herbal medicine (NPHM), an important source for novel medications, resulting in a wide range of bioactive supramolecular materials including gels, and nanoparticles. The NPHM-based supramolecular bioactive materials are produced from renewable resources, are simple to prepare, and have demonstrated multi-functionality including slow-release, smart-responsive release, and especially possess powerful biological effects to treat various diseases. In this review, NPHM-based supramolecular bioactive materials have been revealed as an emerging, revolutionary, and promising strategy. The development, advantages, and limitations of NPHM, as well as the advantageous position of NPHM-based materials, are first reviewed. Subsequently, a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the self-assembly strategies specific to seven major classes of NPHM is highlighted. Insights into the influence of NPHM structural features on the formation of supramolecular materials are also provided. Finally, the drivers and preparations are summarized, emphasizing the biomedical applications, future scientific challenges, and opportunities, with the hope of igniting inspiration for future research and applications.

Catalytic control over the formation of supramolecular materials.

In this Perspective, we will discuss how the rate of formation of supramolecular materials can be drastically enhanced by catalytically controlling the rate of formation of their molecular building blocks, resulting in the formation of out-of-equilibrium soft materials with enhanced mechanical properties. Also, the use of surface confined, patterned catalysts allows spatial control over self-assembly, which can be applied to the formation of regular, micrometer sized hydrogel patterns. Catalysis has been applied for decades as an indispensable tool in the synthesis of both simple and highly complex molecules and polymers, ranging from milligram lab-scale to multi-ton industrial processes. However, despite being widespread in nature, until recently the use of catalysis to control the formation of supramolecular materials has remained limited. We will demonstrate the large potential of using catalysis as a tool in the construction of soft materials, illustrated by recent developments.

Redox-responsive self-healing materials formed from host-guest polymers.

Expanding the useful lifespan of materials is becoming highly desirable, and self-healing and self-repairing materials may become valuable commodities. The formation of supramolecular materials through host–guest interactions is a powerful method to create non-conventional materials. Here we report the formation of supramolecular hydrogels and their redox-responsive and self-healing properties due to host–guest interactions. We employ cyclodextrin (CD) as a host molecule because it is environmentally benign and has diverse applications. A transparent supramolecular hydrogel quickly forms upon mixing poly(acrylic acid) (pAA) possessing β-CD as a host polymer with pAA possessing ferrocene as a guest polymer. Redox stimuli induce a sol−gel phase transition in the supramolecular hydrogel and can control self-healing properties such as re-adhesion between cut surfaces.