Thermotropic Colloidal Liquid-Crystalline Hydroxyapatite Nanorod Hybrids Containing a Forklike Mesogen |
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Authors: | Junya Uchida Ryuta Kiguchi Riki Kato Takashi Kato |
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Institution: | Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–8656 Japan |
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Abstract: | We here report the development of new thermotropic colloidal liquid-crystalline (LC) organic/inorganic hybrids consisting of a hydroxyapatite (HAp)/poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) nanorod and a dendritic forklike mesogen. Complexation of the HAp/PAA nanorod covered with negatively charged PAA and a cationic forklike mesogen through electrostatic interactions and cation metathesis results in the surface modification of the HAp/PAA nanorod with the forklike mesogen. While the HAp/PAA nanorod forms a lyotropic colloidal LC phase in the aqueous dispersion, the HAp/PAA nanorod modified with the forklike mesogen exhibits thermotropic colloidal LC phases in the solvent-free states. The biomineral-based organic/inorganic colloidal liquid crystals exhibiting thermotropic LC properties have potential for the development of new stimuli-responsive sustainable materials. |
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Keywords: | biominerals liquid crystals organic–inorganic hybrid composites self-assembly supramolecular chemistry |
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