Embedment of Quantum Dots and Biomolecules in a Dipeptide Hydrogel Formed In Situ Using Microfluidics

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

As low-molecular-weight hydrogelators, dipeptide hydrogel materials are suited for embedding multiple organic molecules and inorganic nanoparticles. Herein, a simple but precisely controllable method is presented that enables the fabrication of dipeptide-based hydrogels by supramolecular assembly inside microfluidic channels. Water-soluble quantum dots (QDs) as well as premixed porphyrins and a dipeptide in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were injected into a Y-shaped microfluidic junction. At the DMSO/water interface, the confined fabrication of a dipeptide-based hydrogel was initiated. Thereafter, the as-formed hydrogel flowed along a meandering microchannel in a continuous fashion, gradually completing gelation and QD entrapment. In contrast to hydrogelation in conventional test tubes, microfluidically controlled hydrogelation led to a tailored dipeptide hydrogel regarding material morphology and nanoparticle distribution.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6724-6732
Number of pages9
JournalAngewandte Chemie - International Edition
Volume60
Issue number12
Publication statusPublished - 15 Mar 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 33283395

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • continuous-flow microfluidics, dipeptides, microchannel-confined assembly, nanostructures, supramolecular assembly