journal article·2026-05Open access

Fluorescent Supramolecular Gels Based on D‐Sorbitol Derivatives

Emmanuel Odella, Miryam Criado‐Gonzalez, Rodrigo A. Ponzio, David Mecerreyes, Matías L. Picchio, Daniele Mantione

Small· Volume 22· Issue 27

Abstract

ABSTRACT Supramolecular gels formed by low‐molecular‐weight gelators (LMWGs) are valuable soft materials due to their remarkable versatility and wide range of applications. Developing ambidextrous LMWGs that self‐assemble in diverse solvents remains challenging, as such versatility requires precise molecular engineering to ensure robust structuring across varying polarity and hydrogen‐bonding environments. Here, we present a family of sugar‐based molecules functionalized with naphthyl (DNapS), benzothiadiazole (DBTDS), and coumarin (MCumS) moieties, synthesized by a green, scalable method, which serve as fluorescent LMWGs. Their gelation abilities are evaluated in water, organic solvents of different polarities, and deep eutectic solvents (DES). Among them, MCumS forms gels in water, short‐chain alcohols, and terpene‐based hydrophobic DES, highlighting its potential as a rare example of an LMWG capable of gelation across chemically diverse environments. Morphological analysis of MCumS gels reveals fibrous network formation in water and distinct, solvent‐dependent architectures in eutectogels. Interestingly, supramolecular gels based on this LMWG and zwitterionic DES show superior viscoelastic behavior and injectability. These findings not only expand the library of fluorescent LMWGs but also contribute to the fundamental understanding of structure‐property relationships in versatile supramolecular gel systems.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Supramolecular Self-Assembly in Materials · Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications · Polydiacetylene-based materials and applications

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados (IITEMA) Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC) Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET) Río Cuarto Argentina

Institute of Polymer Science and Technology (ICTP‐CSIC) Madrid Spain

IKERBASQUE Basque Foundation for Science Bilbao Spain

POLYMAT University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU Donostia‐San Sebastián Spain

POLYMAT Department of Mining‐Metallurgy Engineering and Materials Science School of Engineering University of the Basque Country (UPV/ EHU) Bilbao Spain

Funding

Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica · Eusko Jaurlaritza · H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions · HORIZON EUROPE Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions · Agencia Estatal de Investigación

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