Self-assembled hybrid hydrogels based on an amphipathic low molecular weight peptide derivative and a water-soluble poly(para-phenylene vinylene)

Abstract

The self-assembly of an amphipathic low molecular weight peptide and a water-soluble π-conjugated polyelectrolyte is studied in order to form hybrid hydrogel materials with synergistic properties. The self-assembly of the complex yields a network of one-dimensional fibrils, with enhanced fluorescence of the π-conjugated polyelectrolyte in the hydrogel form. These hybrid hydrogels are also tested to study the kinetics of release of a molecular dye.