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New study explores amino acid that turns into gel in water

Chemistry and Crystals: Politecnico di Milano's hydrogel study on the cover of Chemistry
Images from two different electron microscopy analyses of Fmoc-pentafluoro-phenylalanine hydrogel alone (c-d) and with a partner molecule (e-f). Inset: photos of the two hydrogels. Credit: Politecnico di Milano

Hydrogels, ubiquitous materials in our daily lives, are the focus of scientific research published in Chemistry—A European Journal. Conducted by the SupraBioNanoLab at the Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering Giulio Natta at Politecnico di Milano, the work demonstrated how the combination of supramolecular chemistry and crystallography can be used to design hydrogels with specific characteristics.

The study focused on the use of an amino acid called Fmoc-pentafluoro-phenylalanine, which effectively turns into a gel in water. The researchers examined the behavior of this molecule in the presence of other substances, including bioactive molecules such as vitamin B3, which establish strong attractive interactions with its reactive groups. Experimental results have shown that the interactions between the amino acid and partner molecules are identical both in the formation of a crystalline complex in the and in the creation of a gel in an aqueous solvent.

"The key to the research was the determination of the crystal structure of the complex through X-ray diffraction, which allowed us to predict the properties and consistency of the resulting gel," explains Valentina Dichiarante of the Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering Giulio Natta at Politecnico di Milano. "This also allowed us to modulate the release of the partner molecule from the gel itself."

Chemistry and Crystals: Politecnico di Milano's hydrogel study on the cover of Chemistry
The supramolecular interaction between the amino acid Fmoc-pentafluoro-phenylalanine and the partner molecule led to the formation of a crystal complex in the solid state. In water, the two molecules gave hydrogels, whose fibrillar network is held together by the same supramolecular interactions observed in crystals. Credit: Politecnico di Milano

"This opens up new perspectives for the selective and targeted design of mixed ," adds Pierangelo Metrangolo of the Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering Giulio Natta at Politecnico di Milano. "The supramolecular interactions between the solid-phase components allow the strength and structure of the gel to be modulated, creating an ideal matrix for the controlled release of active substances, with possible therapeutic or cosmetic applications."

These results led the journal Chemistry—A European Journal to dedicate the main cover of the edition containing the article to it, together with a detailed profile on the authors of the work and their research activity. This award underlines the significant contribution this research brings to the emerging field of hydrogels and biomedical applications.

More information: Eleonora Veronese et al, Acid⋅⋅⋅Amide Supramolecular Synthon for Tuning Amino Acid‐Based Hydrogels' Properties, Chemistry—A European Journal (2023). DOI: 10.1002/chem.202301743

Journal information: Chemistry – A European Journal

Citation: New study explores amino acid that turns into gel in water (2023, December 19) retrieved 2 February 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2023-12-explores-amino-acid-gel.html
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