The integration of discrete metal complexes has been attracting significant interest due to the potential of these materials for soft metal-metal interactions and supramolecular assembly. Additionally, block copolypeptide amphiphiles have been investigated concerning their capacity for self-assembly into structures such as nanoparticles, nanosheets and nanofibers. In this study, we combined these two concepts by investigating the self-assembly of discrete metal complexes in aqueous solution using block copolypeptides. Normally, discrete metal complexes such as [Au(CN)2]−, when molecularly dispersed in water, cannot interact with one another. Our results demonstrated, however, that the addition of block copolypeptide amphiphiles such as K183L19 to [Au(CN)2]− solutions induced one-dimensional integration of the discrete metal complex, resulting in photoluminescence originating from multinuclear complexes with metal-metal interactions. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed a fibrous nanostructure with lengths and widths of approximately 100 and 20 nm, respectively, which grew to form advanced nanoarchitectures, including those resembling the weave patterns of Waraji (traditional Japanese straw sandals). This concept of combining block copolypeptide amphiphiles with discrete coordination compounds allows the design of flexible and functional supramolecular coordination systems in water.
A number of amphiphilic N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) oligomers and polymers with a S-1-dodecyl-Sʹ-trithiocarbonate (DTC) and an amino terminal group were prepared using RAFT polymerization: DTC-NIPAAm 13-NH 3 Cl (1), DTC-NIPAAm 61-NH 3 Cl (2), DTC-NIPAAm 78-NH 3 Cl (3), DTC-NIPAAm 119-NH 3 Cl (4). and DTC-NIPAAm 274-NH 3 Cl (5). Aqueous solutions of 1-5 became cloudy upon heating at pH 10, while 1-4 did not exhibit thermosensitivity at pH 7.0, instead forming stable rods and vesicles in aqueous solution. Nanorods and nanosquares were obtained from metal cyanide complexes of 1 and 2, both of which had low degrees of polymerization, and aqueous solutions of these nanocomposites became cloudy at pH 7.0. The electrostatic interactions between the amine segments and the anionic metal cyanide complexes as well as the low degree of polymerization in the vicinity of approximately 100 were both found to have a significant role in the morphology and thermoresponsiveness of the hybrids. These hybrid NIPAAm oligomer/metal cyanide complexes may allow the design of flexible, functional supramolecular systems in aqueous solutions.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.