Rational Molecular Design of Stimulus-Responsive Supramolecular Hydrogels Based on Dipeptides

摘要

Stimuli-responsive supramolecular hydrogels have found various applications in drug release, sensors, and biomedi-cine. Because supramolecular hydrogels are constructed solely by the self-assembly of low-molecular-weight molecules (namely, supramolecular hydrogelators), various functions can be flexibly incorporated into their molecular structures. In particular, the dynamic structural change in hierarchical self-assembled nanostructures of the supramolecular hydrogels in response to a stimulus is unique and useful for controlling macroscopic functions such as stimuli-responsive release of encapsulated substances. To date, various types of supramolecular hydrogelators have been reported; however, rational and universal molecular design to equip them with a myriad response still presents significant challenges for exploiting bio-material applications.