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Embedment of Quantum Dots and Biomolecules in a Dipeptide Hydrogel Formed In Situ Using Microfluidics
Author(s) -
Li Yue,
Männel Max J.,
Hauck Nicolas,
Patel Himanshu P.,
Auernhammer Günter K.,
Chae Soosang,
Fery Andreas,
Li Junbai,
Thiele Julian
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.202015340
Subject(s) - dipeptide , self healing hydrogels , microfluidics , nanotechnology , quantum dot , biomolecule , materials science , nanoparticle , microchannel , fabrication , molecule , chemical engineering , chemistry , polymer chemistry , organic chemistry , peptide , medicine , biochemistry , alternative medicine , pathology , engineering
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.