Tunable Size and Spectral Properties of Fluorescent NanoGUMBOS in Modified Sodium Deoxycholate Hydrogels

Abstract

Microstructures of sodium deoxycholate hydrogels were observed to be altered considerably in the presence of variable tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS) concentrations. These observations were confirmed by use of X-ray diffraction, polarized optical microscopy, rheology, and differential scanning calorimetry measurements. Our studies reveal enhanced gel crystallinity and rigidity with increasing TRIS concentration. The tunable hydrogel microstructures obtained under various conditions have been successfully utilized as templates to synthesize cyanine based fluorescent nanoGUMBOS (nanoparticles from a Group of Uniform Materials Based on Organic Salts). A systematic variation in size (70–200 nm), with relatively low polydispersity and tunable spectral properties of [HMT][AOT] nanoGUMBOS, was achieved by use of these modified hydrogels. The gel microstructures are observed to direct the size, as well as molecular self-assembly of the nanomaterials, thereby tuning their spectral properties. These modified hydrogels were also found to possess other interesting properties such as variable morphologies ranging from fibrous to spherullites, variable degrees of crystallinity, rigidity, optical activity, and release profiles which can be exploited for a multitude of applications. Hence, this study demonstrates a novel method for modification of sodium deoxycholate hydrogels, their applications as templates for nanomaterials synthesis, as well as their potential applications in biotechnology and drug delivery.

Сrown- and Sulfophthalocyanines in Low-Molecular-Weight Hydrogels: Properties, Molecular State, and Release

“…With increasing crystallinity of modified SDC-containing gel, the diffraction patterns exhibited the appearance of peaks at 31.3 and 45.4°. [26] SEM results. Selected examples of SEM images are presented in Figures 10 and 11.…”

Ionic liquid crosslinkers for chiral imprinted nanoGUMBOS

“…ILs show interesting physical and chemical properties such as low volatility, chemical stability, and high conductivity [1], [3]; and can be tailored by molecular design of either the anionic or cationic component for task-specific functions [4], [5]. An emerging class of solid phase materials based on tunable ionic liquid chemistry, collectively referred to as GUMBOS (group of uniform materials based on organic salts), has been demonstrated as capable of forming nanoparticles (nanoGUMBOS) with magnetic, fluorescent, pH sensitive, and anticancer properties [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. To combine one or more of these properties into nanoparticle based theranostic agents, incorporation of a molecular recognition element using the method of molecular imprinting was investigated for formation of nanoGUMBOS molecularly imprinted polymers (referred to as NGMIPs) [16], [17].…”

Sodium Deoxycholate Hydrogels: Effects of Modifications on Gelation, Drug Release, and Nanotemplating

“…7 In this method, hydrophobic nanoGUMBOS are formed similarly to a reverse micelle nanoparticle synthesis. 7,36 A GUMBOS of interest is dissolved in a water miscible solution (e.g. ethanol).…”