The Power of Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy in Supramolecular Chemistry: In situ Real-time Imaging of Stimuli-Responsive Multicomponent Supramolecular Hydrogels

Multicomponent supramolecular hydrogels are promising scaffolds for applications in biosensors and controlled drug release due to their designer stimulus responsiveness. To achieve rational construction of multicomponent supramolecular hydrogel systems, their in-depth structural analysis is essential but still challenging. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) has emerged as a powerful tool for structural analysis of multicomponent supramolecular hydrogels. CLSM imaging enables real-time observation of the hydrogels without the need of drying and/or freezing to elucidate their static and dynamic properties. Through multiple, selective fluorescent staining of materials of interest, multiple domains formed in supramolecular hydrogels (e. g. inorganic materials and self-sorting nanofibers) can also be visualized. CLSM and the related microscopic techniques will be indispensable to investigate complex life-inspired supramolecular chemical systems.