Self-Regulating Hydrogel with Reversible Optical Activity in Its Gel-to-Gel Transformation.

ABSTRACT: This study reports a supramolecular gel system capable of dynamic gel-to-gel transformations and reversible inversion of optical activity between superhelical and single-helical structures without passing through a sol phase. Inspired by collagen-like adaptability, the system utilizes 4-pyridinylboronic acid and guanosine as building blocks. Hierarchical assembly is achieved through pH-responsive boronic ester formation and guanosine-mediated G-quadruplex stacking, enabling transitions between superhelices and single helices with opposite optical activity. The system employs three regulatory pathways: bidirectional pH modulation, monotonic pH increase, and monotonic pH decrease, demonstrating programmable and reversible control over chirality, morphology, and mechanical properties. In the

SUBMITTER: Li J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12100726 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature