Supramolecular gels: a versatile crystallization toolbox

Abstract

Supramolecular gels are unique materials formed through the self-assembly of molecular building blocks, typically low molecular weight gelators (LMWGs), driven by non-covalent interactions. The process of crystallization within supramolecular gels has broadened the scope of the traditional gel-phase crystallization technique offering the possibility of obtaining crystals of higher quality and size. The broad structural diversity of LMWGs allows crystallization in multiple organic and aqueous solvents, favouring screening and optimization processes and the possibility to search for novel polymorphic forms. These supramolecular gels have been used for the crystallization of inorganic, small organic compounds of pharmaceutical interest, and proteins. Results have shown that these gels are not only able to produce crystals of high quality but also to influence polymorphism and physicochemical properties of the crystals, giving rise to crystals with potential new bio- and technological applications. Thus, understanding the principles of crystallization in supramolecular gels is essential for tailoring their properties and applications, ranging from drug delivery systems to composite crystals with tunable stability properties. In this review, we summarize the use of LMWG-based supramolecular gels as media to grow single crystals of a broad range of compounds.