Self‐Assembled Nanofibrilar Networks: Boosting Hydrogelation Efficiency by Replacement of a Pyridine Moiety by a Quinoline One

Abstract

A new molecular hydrogelator consisting of a L‐Valine derivative with appended quinoline units behaves as a supramolecular superhydrogelator forming gels at such low concentrations as 0.8 mM (0.05% w/w). On the other hand, an analogue compound containing a pyridine moiety is found to be a poor gelator, forming gels at 19 mM. The gels are pH sensitive because of the protonation of the heterocycle and show microcrystallinity. The rheological properties and biocompatibility are also reported.