Dataset Information

In-situ Observation of Hierarchical Self-Assembly Driven by Bicontinuous Gelation in Mixed Nanodisc Dispersions.

ABSTRACT: The search for new functional soft materials with precise and reconfigurable structures at the nano and meso-scale is a major challenge as well as objective of the current science. Patchy colloids of different shapes and functionalities are considered important new building blocks of a bottom-up approach towards rational design of new soft materials largely governed by anisotropic interactions. Herein, we investigate the self-assembly, growth of hierarchical microstructures and aging dynamics of 2D nano-platelets of two different aspect ratios (Laponite ~25 and Montmorillonite ~250) which form gels with different porosity that is achieved by tuning their mixing ratios. Qualitative in situ real-space studies are carried out, including fluorescent confocal microscopy imaging of the bicontinuous gelation process or final states, which provides dynamic visualization of the self-organization. The bicontinuous gels exhibit a foam-like morphology having pores of a few micrometers in size that can be tuned by varying the mixing ratio of nanoplatelets. It is shown that this new class of clay gels has unique and tunable physical properties that will find potential applications in the development of low cost lithium ion batteries, nanocomposites and nuclear waste management.

SUBMITTER: Pujala RK

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5882853 | biostudies-other | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other

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In-situ Observation of Hierarchical Self-Assembly Driven by Bicontinuous Gelation in Mixed Nanodisc Dispersions.

Pujala Ravi Kumar RK Schneijdenberg C T W M CTWM van Blaaderen Alfons A Bohidar H B HB

Scientific reports 20180403 1

The search for new functional soft materials with precise and reconfigurable structures at the nano and meso-scale is a major challenge as well as objective of the current science. Patchy colloids of different shapes and functionalities are considered important new building blocks of a bottom-up approach towards rational design of new soft materials largely governed by anisotropic interactions. Herein, we investigate the self-assembly, growth of hierarchical microstructures and aging dynamics of ...[more]

PMID: 29615709

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Project description:The characterization of self-assembling molecules presents significant experimental challenges, especially when associated with phase separation or precipitation. Transparent window infrared (IR) spectroscopy leverages site-specific probes that absorb in the "transparent window" region of the biomolecular IR spectrum. Carbon-deuterium (C-D) bonds are especially compelling transparent window probes since they are non-perturbative, can be readily introduced site selectively into peptides and proteins, and their stretch frequencies are sensitive to changes in the local molecular environment. Importantly, IR spectroscopy can be applied to a wide range of molecular samples regardless of solubility or physical state, making it an ideal technique for addressing the solubility challenges presented by self-assembling molecules. Here, we present the first continuous observation of transparent window probes following stopped-flow initiation. To demonstrate utility in a self-assembling system, we selected the MAX1 peptide hydrogel, a biocompatible material that has significant promise for use in drug delivery and medical applications. C-D labeled valine was synthetically introduced into five distinct positions of the twenty-residue MAX1 β-hairpin peptide. Consistent with current structural models, steady-state IR absorption frequencies and linewidths of C-D bonds at all labeled positions indicate that these side chains occupy a hydrophobic region of the hydrogel and that the motion of side chains located in the middle of the hairpin is more restricted than those located on the hairpin ends. Following a rapid change in ionic strength to initiate self-assembly, the peptide absorption spectra were monitored as function of time, allowing determination of site-specific time constants. We find that within the experimental resolution, MAX1 self-assembly occurs as a cooperative process. These studies suggest that stopped-flow transparent window FTIR can be extended to other time-resolved applications, such as protein folding and enzyme kinetics.

Dataset Information

In-situ Observation of Hierarchical Self-Assembly Driven by Bicontinuous Gelation in Mixed Nanodisc Dispersions.

Publications

In-situ Observation of Hierarchical Self-Assembly Driven by Bicontinuous Gelation in Mixed Nanodisc Dispersions.

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