Dynamic sol-gel interconversion by reversible cation binding and release in G-quartet-based supramolecular polymers

The bis-guanine monomer G-G forms highly cross-linked, K+ stabilized, polymeric hydrogels that can be reversibly interconverted between gel and sol state via sequential binding and release of K+ by a cryptand undergoing protonation/deprotonation.     

Reversible organogels triggered by dynamic K+ binding and release

In this study, a new lipophilic guanosine derivative was synthesized as an organogelator. The self-aggregation behavior of this organogelator was investigated by NMR, XRD and AFM. In solution, the lipophilic guanosine derivative can form a stable ribbon-like structure through NH(1)–N(7) and NH(2)–O(6) hydrogen bonds. However, gelation would occur in some aprotic solvents after the concentration reached a definite value. More interesting, the ribbon-like structure was able to change to G-quartets in the presence of K⁺, which led to the transformation from a gel to a sol. Upon the addition of the cryptand [2.2.2], which can efficiently complex with K⁺, G-quartets reverted to the original ribbon-like structure and the gel recovered. Subsequently, upon the addition of acids, K⁺ was released from the cryptate with the transformation of gel-to-sol simultaneously. Finally, upon the addition of bases which deprotonated [H⁺ ? 2.2.2], the liberated cryptand [2.2.2] recaptured K⁺ and the gel was regenerated again. This process of interconversion between G-ribbon 1_n and octamer 1₈·K⁺ was well monitored by circular dichroism spectra.     

Structural interconversion between a chain polymer and a two-dimensional network accompanied by tunable magnetic properties

The reaction of 2-hydroxypyrimidine-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (H(3)hpdc) with CuCl(2) under different temperatures gives a chain-like compound [Cu(2)(hpdc)(OH)(H(2)O)(4)]·H(2)O and a layer-like compound [Cu(2)(hpdc)(OH)(H(2)O)], which exhibit structural interconversion and tunable magnetic properties upon dehydration and hydration.     

Acid-base-driven interconversion between a mononuclear complex and supramolecular coordination polymers in a terpyridine-functionalized dioxocyclam ligand

A polytopic cyclam-bis-terpyridine ligand has been used to accomplish an acid-base-triggered formation of either a mononuclear neutral complex or metallopolymers with Cu(2+) ions. A controlled interconversion between these two forms was achieved through the reversible displacement of a Cu(2+) cation from the macrocycle to the terpyridine units.     

Organogelation by polymer organogelators with a L-lysine derivative: formation of a three-dimensional network consisting of supramolecular and conventional polymers

Polymer compounds consisting of a L-lysine derivative and conventional polymers, such as poly(ethylene glycol), polycarbonate, polyesters, and poly(alkylene), have been synthesized and their organogelation properties examined in various solvents. These polymer compounds function as good organogelators that form organogels in many organic solvents and oils. The organogelation ability is almost independent of the polymer backbone. Observation by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) demonstrates that the polymer organogelators form a supramolecular polymer with a diameter of several tens of nanometers and create a three-dimensional network in organogels. FT-IR spectroscopic analysis shows that the supramolecular polymer is mainly formed by the self-assembly of L-lysine segments through hydrogen-bonding and van der Waals interactions. Furthermore, the organogels formed by the polymer organogelators have a lower gel-sol temperature and higher gel strength than those of a low-molecular-weight model organogelator.     

Wormlike aggregates from a supramolecular coordination polymer and a diblock copolymer

The formation of wormlike micelles in mixed systems of a supramolecular coordination polymer Zn-L2EO4 and a diblock copolymer P2MVP41-b-PEO205 is investigated by light scattering and Cryo-TEM. By direct mixing at a stoichiometric charge ratio, the above mixtures proved to be capable of formation of spherical micelles with a radius of about 25 nm (Yan et al. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed.; 2007, 46, 1807-1809). Lately, we find wormlike micelles with a hydrodynamic radius >150 nm in a mixture with excess positive charge, that is, a negative charge fraction f- < 0.5. The transformation between wormlike and spherical micelles can be realized by variation of the mixing ratio through different protocols. Upon addition of negatively charged Zn-L2EO4 to a mixture with excess positively charged P2MVP41-b-PEO205, most of the wormlike micelles are transformed into spherical ones; upon addition of positively charged P2MVP41-b-PEO205 to a mixture of pure spherical micelles, wormlike micelles can be produced again. The effect of sample preparation protocol, sample history, and concentration on this transformation process is systematically reported in this article. A possible mechanism for the formation of wormlike micelles is proposed.     

Gas separation by networks made from supramolecular complexes of metal phthalocyanines and a cellulose derivative

Soluble metal phthalocyanines, e.g. PcFe(OCH₂CF₃)₄ form supramolecular complexes with a cyanoethylated hydroxypropylcellulose polymer (AHC) with nitrile groups on flexible spacers. Composite membranes made from these complexes enrich O₂ or CO₂ from a mixture with N₂ or CH₄, respectively. The complexation is concluded from spectroscopic observations and from differences in membrane properties. The surface structure of the membranes was investigated by AFM. Optimal selectivity and permeability were found with membranes containing phthalocyanines with bulky substituents on the macrocycle and metal ions, which are able to coordinate with the nitrile groups of the polymer. Some fluorinated substituents gave high permeate fluxes. Optimal selectivity values found were 3.5 for α_O2/N2 and 18 for α_CO2/N2. For the feed CH₄/CO₂ swelling effects were observed.     

Sodium and pH responsive hydrogel formation by the supramolecular system calix[4]pyrrole derivative/tetramethylammonium cation

We report and rationalize the formation of gels, responsive to sodium cations or pH changes, in aqueous media by a supramolecular system constituted of an aryl extended calix[4]pyrrole receptor and the tetramethylammonium guest.     

Hydrophilic polymer drug from a derivative of salicylic acid: synthesis, controlled release studies and biological behavior

Hydrophilic polymeric drugs bearing "Triflusal" (4-trifluoromethylsalicylic acid), a drug widely used as antithrombogenic agent (Disgren), have been prepared by free radical copolymerization of methacryloyloxyethyl [2-(acetyloxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl)] benzoate (HTRF) and N,N'-dimethylacrylamide (DMA). The reactivity ratios of both monomers have been determined by 1H NMR spectra by applying non-linear least square treatments to the copolymerization equation (terminal model), and the kinetic parameters obtained indicated that the microstructure of copolymer chains is homogeneous, with a random distribution of the active HTRF units along the copolymer chains. That means that for the copolymer system THDMA22 used in this work, HTRF units are mainly isolated in relatively long DMA sequences. Therefore, in this structure the intramolecular interactions between adjacent HTRF units are negligible. Release of Triflusal from THDMA22 has been studied in vitro using buffered solutions at pH = 2, 7.4 and 10 and 37 degrees C. The system showed an interesting pseudo-zero order release profile at pH = 7.4 during several months. It has been also evaluated the pharmacological activity and the behavior of the system in contact with biological media. In this sense, we have carried out some in vitro studies about the antiaggregant properties and biocompatibility of THDMA22. Results demonstrate that this copolymer inhibits platelet aggregation in its macromolecular form and presents a good biocompatibility with Human Osteoblastic Cells (HOS).     

Reversible assembly and disassembly of micelles by a polymer that switches between hydrophilic and hydrophobic wettings

Supramolecular complexes involving nanoscopic amphiphilic assemblies (AAs) and polyelectrolytes have been used to prepare a variety of materials, wherein the dynamic AAs retain the structural features, but the polyelectrolytes undergo conformational changes. Here we show that a charge bearing rigid conjugated polymer can alter the structural features and disassemble AAs. We also demonstrate reversible assembly and disassembly of AAs by controlling the number of charges on the rigid polymer. During the disassembly, the guest molecules sequestered in the AAs are released. The rate of release has been modulated by changing the morphology of the charge bearing polymer. Concomitant to the AAs disassembly, the polymer surface becomes hydrophobic due to the binding of the amphiphiles on the charges of the polymer backbone. By controlling the charges on the polymer, the surface wettability was varied gradually from hydrophilic to hydrophobic.     

Linear polynuclear helicates as a link between discrete supramolecular complexes and programmed infinite polymetallic chains

The contribution of the solvation energies to the assembly of polynuclear helicates reduces the free energy of intermetallic repulsion, DeltaE(MM), in condensed phase to such an extent that stable D(3)-symmetrical tetranuclear lanthanide-containing triple-stranded helicates [Ln(4)(L4)(3)](12+) are quantitatively produced at millimolar concentrations, despite the twelve positive charge borne by these complexes. A detailed modelling of the formation constants using statistical factors, adapted to self-assembly processes involving intra- and intermolecular connections, provides a set of five microscopic parameters, which can be successfully used for rationalizing the stepwise generation of linear bi-, tri- and tetranuclear analogues. Photophysical studies of [Eu(4)(L4)(3)](12+) confirm the existence of two different binding sites producing differentiated metal-centred emission at low temperature, which transforms into single site luminescence at room temperature because of intramolecular energy funelling processes.     

Multiple hydrogen-bond-induced supramolecular nanostructure from a pincer-like molecule and a [60]fullerene derivative

A new supramolecular self-assembled system between a perylene bisimide bearing diaminopyridine-substituted isophthalamide groups (PP) and a [60]fullerene containing barbituric acid moiety (C₆₀bar) through a complementary six-point hydrogen-bonding interaction was constructed. The formation of hydrogen bonding was confirmed by ¹H NMR spectra studies in CDCl₃. Fluorescence quenching experiments indicated that the fluorescence of PP was greatly quenched by the hydrogen-bonded C₆₀bar (K_sv=2.71×10⁴ M⁻¹). A steady and rapid cathodic 0.15 μA cm⁻² photocurrent response of the PP/C₆₀bar film deposited onto an ITO electrode was produced under the irradiation of 20 mW cm⁻² white light, indicating the presence of photo-induced electron transfer between PP and C₆₀bar. TEM images showed that spherical particles were fabricated by the self-assembly of PP and C₆₀bar through hydrogen-bonding interaction.     

A supramolecular triarm star polymer from a homotritopic tris(crown ether) host and a complementary monotopic paraquat-terminated polystyrene guest by a supramolecular coupling method

The first supramolecular star polymer based on pseudorotaxane host-guest complexation was prepared from statistical complexation of a homotritopic tris(crown ether) host and monotopic paraquat-terminated polystyrene guest in solution. The formation of this supramolecular star polymer was confirmed by proton NMR characterization and viscosity studies.     

Simultaneous anion and cation binding by a simple polymer-bound ureidopyridyl ligand

A polymer-supported ligand capable of simultaneous anion and cation binding is reported along with X-ray crystallographic data showing potential binding modes.     

Reversible assembly and disassembly of gold nanoparticles directed by a zwitterionic polymer

Herein, we have successfully introduced the stimuli-response concept into the controllable synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with designed properties. We used a pH-responsive zwitterionic polymer that acted as a template and a stabilizer. Gold colloids prepared in situ from the polymer solution have a narrow size distribution of about 5 nm. The assembly and disassembly of AuNPs can be finely tuned by modulating the net charges of the zwitterionic polymer so that they are either positive or negative as a function of the solution pH. Different aggregates and colors appear on altering the solution pH. In acidic solutions, gold colloids form large symmetrical aggregates, while the AuNPs disperse in solutions with a pH approximately 9.6. However, as the solution pH increases (>9.6), needle-like aggregates with a small interparticle distances are formed. On the basis of TEM, SEM, 1H NMR and UV/Vis measurements, we attribute pH-triggered aggregation and color changes of the gold colloids to the ionization process and conformational change of the polymer. The ionization process governs the choice of ligand anchored on the surface of AuNPs, and the conformational change of the polymer modulates the interspaces between AuNPs. The present approach, which is based on a rational design of the physicochemical properties of the template used in the synthesis process, provides a powerful means to control the properties of the nanomaterial. Furthermore, the colorimetric readout can be visualized and applied to future studies on nanoscale switches and sensors.     

Two polyoxometallate‐based supramolecular compounds influenced by the ratio between the polyoxometallate anion and organic cation

Two polyoxometallate‐based compounds, tris[1,1′‐(butane‐1,4‐diyl)bis(1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium)] bis[tetracosa‐μ₂‐oxido‐dodecaoxido‐μ₁₂‐phosphato‐dodecamolybdenum(VI)], (C₁₀H₁₆N₄)₃[PMo₁₂O₄₀]₂, (I), and 1,1′‐(butane‐1,4‐diyl)bis(1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium) 1‐[4‐(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)butyl]‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium tetracosa‐μ₂‐oxido‐dodecaoxido‐μ₁₂‐phosphato‐dodecamolybdenum(VI) dihydrate, (C₁₀H₁₆N₄)(C₁₀H₁₅N₄)[PMo₁₂O₄₀]·2H₂O, (II), were synthesized by hydrothermal techniques at different pH values. The stoichiometric ratio between the polyoxometallate (POM) anions and organic cations is 2:3 in (I), with one of the cations lying on an inversion centre. The doubly protonated 1,1′‐(butane‐1,4‐diyl)diimidazole (BIM) cations are linked to the [PMo₁₂O₄₀]³⁻ anions by hydrogen bonds to form a three‐dimensional supramolecular network. The stoichiometric ratio of POM anions and organic cations is 1:2 in (II), and the anion is located about a centre of inversion. The partly protonated BIM cations and solvent water molecules form hydrogen bonds with the [PMo₁₂O₄₀]³⁻ anions, yielding a two‐dimensional supramolecular layer. The different lattice architectures of (I) and (II) may be governed by the ratio between the POM anions and organic cations, which, in turn, is determined by the pH value.     

DABCO as a dynamic hinge between cofacial porphyrin panels and its tumbling inside a supramolecular cavity

The heteroleptic supramolecular double-decker porphyrin 1 was synthesized with DABCO as a guest between two cofacial porphyrin units as characterized by (1)H NMR and ESI-MS. While DABCO is not seen to tumble inside the cavity, even at higher temperatures (80 °C), such motion was triggered upon addition of various coordinating ligands (quinuclidine, 4-bromopyridine, or excess of DABCO). Different stoichiometric amounts were needed depending on the n donor quality of the added ligands to initiate tumbling of the "inside" DABCO. As demonstrated in an example with excess DABCO, the tumbling was stopped by lowering the temperature to -50 °C.