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A Natural Glycyrrhizic Acid‐Tailored Light‐Responsive Gelator
Author(s) -
Fang Heshu,
Zhao Xia,
Lin Yuan,
Yang Song,
Hu Jun
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
chemistry – an asian journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.18
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1861-471X
pISSN - 1861-4728
DOI - 10.1002/asia.201800180
Subject(s) - biocompatibility , azobenzene , isomerization , supramolecular chemistry , rheology , molecule , chemistry , materials science , rational design , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , catalysis , organic chemistry , engineering , composite material
Abstract The construction of stimuli‐responsive materials by using naturally occurring molecules as building blocks has received increasing attention owing to their bioavailability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Herein, a symmetrical azobenzene‐functionalized natural glycyrrhizic acid ( trans ‐ GAG ) was synthesized and could form stable supramolecular gels in DMSO/H 2 O and MeOH/H 2 O. Owing to trans – cis isomerization, this gel exhibited typical light‐responsive behavior that led to a reversible gel–sol transition accompanied by a variation in morphology and rheology. Additionally, this trans ‐ GAG gel displayed a distinct injectable self‐healing property and outstanding biocompatibility. This work provides a simple yet rational strategy to fabricate stimuli‐responsive materials from naturally occurring, eco‐friendly molecules.