Water gelation of an amino acid-based amphiphile

The water immobilization by a simple amino acid-containing cationic surfactant was investigated. A variety of techniques, such as H-1 NMR spectroscopy, circular dichroism (M), steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were applied to determine the formation and architecture of the hydrogel. The new gelator with a minimum gelation concentration (MGC) of 0.3% w/v shows prolonged stability and a low melting temperature (39 degrees C). H-1 NMR experiments revealed that intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the amide groups and pi-pi stacking of the indole rings are the two regulating parameters for gelation. Furthermore, fluorescence studies with 8anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS) as the probe indicate the participation of hydrophobicity during gelation. The luminescence study using both ANS and pyrene, along with FESEM results, indicate a critical concentration, well below the MGC, at which fibres begin to form. These cross-link further to give thicker fibers, leading to the formation of a hydrogel (0.3% w/v). This new hydrogelator expresses high supramolecular chirality, as evidenced by the CD spectra. In addition, the gelator molecule was found to be nontoxic up to a concentration of 4 mm (0.2% w/v). The high supramolecular chirality, prolonged stability, low melting point, and biocompatibility of the molecule make it a focus of chemical and biological interest.