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Self-assembly mechanism for a naphthalene-dipeptide leading to hydrogelation

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 22:49 authored by Lin Chen, Kyle Morris, Andrea Laybourn, David Elias, Matthew R Hicks, Alison Rodger, Louise SerpellLouise Serpell, Dave J Adams
Suitably functionalized dipeptides have been shown to be effective hydrogelators. The design of the hydrogelators and the mechanism by which hydrogelation occurs are both currently not well understood. Here, we have utilized the hydrolysis of glucono-delta-lactone to gluconic acid as a means of adjusting the pH in a naphthalene-alanylvaline solution allowing the specific targeting of the final pH. In addition, this method allows the assembly process to be characterized. We show that assembly begins as charge is removed from the C-terminus of the dipeptide. The removal of charge allows lateral assembly of the molecules leading to pi-pi stacking (shown by CD) and beta-sheet formation (as shown by IR and X-ray fiber diffraction). This leads to the formation of fibrous structures. Electron microscopy reveals that thin fibers form initially, with low persistence length. Lateral association then occurs to give bundles of fibers with higher persistence length. This results in the initially weak hydrogel becoming stronger with time. The final mechanical properties of the hydrogels are very similar irrespective of the amount of GdL added; rather, the time taken to achieving the final gel is determined by the GdL concentration. However, differences are observed between the networks under strain, implying that the kinetics of assembly do impart different final materials' properties. Overall, this study provides detailed understanding of the assembly process that leads to hydrogelation.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Langmuir

ISSN

0743-7463

Publisher

American Chemical Society

Issue

7

Volume

26

Page range

5232-5242

Department affiliated with

  • Biochemistry Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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