In between molecules and self-assembled fibrillar networks: highly stable nanogel particles from a low molecular weight hydrogelator

The preparation of molecular, non-polymeric nanogels from a low molecular weight hydrogelator is reported. The molecular nanogels are expected to overcome issues associated with the use of polymeric nanogels in biomedicine such as biodegradability, stimuli responsiveness, polydispersity, and batch-t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Soft matter 2019-04, Vol.15 (17), p.3565-3572
Main Authors: Torres-Martínez, Ana, Angulo-Pachón, César A, Galindo, Francisco, Miravet, Juan F
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biodegradability
Biodegradation
Domains
Electron microscopy
Fluorescent dyes
Fluorescent indicators
Hydrophobicity
Latex
Light scattering
Low molecular weights
Molecular weight
Nanoparticles
NMR
Nuclear magnetic resonance
Polydispersity
Polystyrene
Polystyrene resins
Potentiometric titration
Reproducibility
Self-assembly
Sonication
Thermal stability
Titration
Transmission electron microscopy
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Summary:The preparation of molecular, non-polymeric nanogels from a low molecular weight hydrogelator is reported. The molecular nanogels are expected to overcome issues associated with the use of polymeric nanogels in biomedicine such as biodegradability, stimuli responsiveness, polydispersity, and batch-to-batch reproducibility. Nanogels formed by compound 1 were reproducibly prepared by sonication of a xerogel in PBS, with a total concentration of ca. 2 mM. The intensity averaged diameter of ca. 200 nm was determined by DLS. Electron microscopy (TEM and cryo-TEM) showed spherical particles. Light scattering (SALS) indicates that water is the main component of the nanoparticles, and the concentration of 1 in the nanogels is ca. 3 mg mL −1 . These particles can be considered to constitute an intermediate state between free molecules and self-assembled fibrillar networks. The nanogels present excellent temporal and thermal stability and accessible hydrophobic domains, as demonstrated by the incorporation of the fluorescent dye Nile Red. A low molecular weight gelator forms reproducibly nanogel particles with good temporal and thermal stability and they present accessible hydrophobic domains.
ISSN:1744-683X
1744-6848
DOI:10.1039/c9sm00252a