title: Chemically programmed self-sorting of gelator networks.
abstract: Controlling the order and spatial distribution of self-assembly in multicomponent supramolecular systems could underpin exciting new functional materials, but it is extremely challenging. When a solution of different components self-assembles, the molecules can either coassemble, or self-sort, where a preference for like-like intermolecular interactions results in coexisting, homomolecular assemblies. A challenge is to produce generic and controlled 'one-pot' fabrication methods to form separate ordered assemblies from 'cocktails' of two or more self-assembling species, which might have relatively similar molecular structures and chemistry. Self-sorting in supramolecular gel phases is hence rare. Here we report the first example of the pH-controlled self-sorting of gelators to form self-assembled networks in water. Uniquely, the order of assembly can be predefined. The assembly of each component is preprogrammed by the pK(a) of the gelator. This pH-programming method will enable higher level, complex structures to be formed that cannot be accessed by simple thermal gelation.
authors: School of Life Sciences, Chichester II Building, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9QG, UK.
authors: Kyle L
authors: KL
authors: Morris
authors: Lin
authors: L
authors: Chen
authors: Jaclyn
authors: J
authors: Raeburn
authors: Owen R
authors: OR
authors: Sellick
authors: Pepa
authors: P
authors: Cotanda
authors: Alison
authors: A
authors: Paul
authors: Peter C
authors: PC
authors: Griffiths
authors: Stephen M
authors: SM
authors: King
authors: Rachel K
authors: RK
authors: O'Reilly
authors: Louise C
authors: LC
authors: Serpell
authors: Dave J
authors: DJ
authors: Adams
mesh_terms: D004151:Dipeptides / Q000737:chemistry; D005782:Gels / Q000737:chemistry*; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008853:Microscopy; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008958:Models, Molecular; D033363:Neutron Diffraction; D053838:Scattering, Small Angle; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
chemical_list: D004151:Dipeptides; D005782:Gels
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