Solvent-Tuned Supramolecular Assembly of Fluorescent Catechol/Pyrene Amphiphilic Molecules

The synthesis and structuration of a novel low‐molecular‐weight amphiphilic catechol compound is reported. The combination of a hydrophilic tail containing a catechol unit and a pyrene‐based hydrophobic head favors solvent‐tuned supramolecular assembly. Formation of hollow nanocapsules/vesicles occu...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Nador, Fabiana Gabriela, Wnuk, Karolina, Roscini, Claudio, Solorzano, Ruben, Faraudo, Jordi, Ruiz Molina, Daniel, Novio, Fernando
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2018
País:Argentina
Institución:Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas
Repositorio:CONICET Digital (CONICET)
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ri.conicet.gov.ar:11336/91348
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/11336/91348
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:CATECHOL
SELF-ASSEMBLY
VESICLES
SUPRAMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
FLUORESCENCE
https://purl.org/becyt/ford/2.10
https://purl.org/becyt/ford/2
Descripción
Sumario:The synthesis and structuration of a novel low‐molecular‐weight amphiphilic catechol compound is reported. The combination of a hydrophilic tail containing a catechol unit and a pyrene‐based hydrophobic head favors solvent‐tuned supramolecular assembly. Formation of hollow nanocapsules/vesicles occurs in concentrated solutions of polar protic and nonprotic organic solvents, whereas a fibril‐like aggregation process is favored in water, even at low concentrations. The emission properties of the pyrene moiety allow monitoring of the self‐assembly process, which could be confirmed by optical and electronic microscopy. In organic solvents and at low concentrations, this compound remains in its nonassembled monomeric form. As the concentration increases, the aggregation containing preassociated pyrene moieties becomes more evident up to a critical micellar concentration, at which vesicle‐like structures are formed. In contrast, nanosized twist beltlike fibers are observed in water, even at low concentrations, whereas microplate structures appear at high concentrations. The interactions between molecules in different solvents were studied by using molecular dynamics simulations, which have confirmed different solvent‐driven supramolecular interactions.