Molecular Syringe for Cargo Photorelease: Red-Light-Triggered Supramolecular Hydrogel

Abstract

Photochromic supramolecular hydrogels are versatile materials that show macroscopic effects upon irradiation, like liquefaction or shape changes. Here, we demonstrate a simple photochromic cyclic dipeptide (2,5-diketopiperazine-based) supergelator, composed of (S)-lysine and an azobenzene analogue of phenylalanine, that forms supramolecular hydrogels even at 0.1 wt% loading. The gels can physically encapsulate cargo molecules and release them to the environment in a controllable manner upon irradiation with red light, thus working as a "molecular syringe". As the material is biocompatible and operational in the "therapeutic window" of light (>650 nm) that deeply penetrates soft human tissues, it is applicable to smart drug-delivery systems.

Keywords: photoresponsive soft materials; smart materials; supramolecular hydrogels; therapeutic windows.