Hierarchical self-assembly of amino acid derivatives into enzyme-responsive luminescent gel

Abstract

In this study, a novel three-component hydrogel has been designed and fabricated via hierarchical self-assembly by amino acid derivative (N, N'-diphenylalanine-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic diimide (NPPD)), riboflavin (RF) and α-cyclodextrin (α-CD). These molecules were aggregated to form some fibrous structures based on hydrogen bond and π-π stacking. The results show that the hydrogel has a specific response to α-amylase and the fluorescence disappears once hydrolyzed. Therefore, this multi-component hydrogel has potential application in the field of drug delivery.