Mesoscale modulation of supramolecular ureidopyrimidinone-based poly(ethylene glycol) transient networks in water

J Am Chem Soc. 2013 Jul 31;135(30):11159-64. doi: 10.1021/ja403745w. Epub 2013 Jul 18.

Abstract

In natural systems, highly synergistic non-covalent interactions among biomolecular components exert mesoscopic control over hierarchical assemblies. We herein present a multicomponent self-assembly strategy to tune hierarchical supramolecular polymer architectures in water using highly affine and directional ureidopyrimidinone-poly(ethylene glycol)s (UPy-PEG). Using scattering methods and oscillatory rheology, we observe the structural and mechanical regulation of entangled monofunctional UPy-PEG fibrils by cross-linking bifunctional UPy-PEG fibrils. This supramolecular mixing approach opens the door to a range of subtly distinct materials for chemical and biological applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carbamates / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • Pyrimidinones / chemistry*
  • Urea / analogs & derivatives*
  • Urea / chemistry
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Carbamates
  • Pyrimidinones
  • Water
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Urea