Self-assembly of [Au(CN)2]¯ complexes with tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) steroidal alkaloid glycosides to form sheet or tubular structures

Abstract

Composites were prepared using [Au(CN)2]¯ complexes and steroidal alkaloid glycosides (SAGs) from tomato, including hydrophilic sugar and hydrophobic aglycone groups. Supra-molecular sheet, tubular and unique structures were obtained, depending on the molecular structure of the SAG. Polymeric [Au(CN)2]1n units in these supramolecular structures resulted in aurophilic interactions that produced luminescent aggregates, depending on the SAG.