Supramolecular gels from sugar-linked triazole amphiphiles for drug entrapment and release for topical application. Issue 34 (27th June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharma, Komal; Joseph, Jojo P.; Sahu, Adarsh; Yadav, Narender; Tyagi, Mohit; Singh, Ashmeet; Pal, Asish; Kartha, K. P. Ravindranathan
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 9:Issue 34(2019)
• Page Start: 19819
• Page End: 19827
• Publication Date: 2019-06-27
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c9ra02868d
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : Spontaneous formation of hierarchical supramolecular gels show solvent dictated self-assembly and spatio-temporal positioning of drug molecules in the network accounting for differential release profiles for topical application. Abstract : A simple molecular framework obtained by cross-linking a hydrophobic chain with S, S - and R, R -tetritol by the copper-catalysed azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction is found to serve as an excellent bioisostere for self-assembly. The hexadecyl-linked triazolyl tetritol composite spontaneously self-assembles in n -hepane and methanol to form hierarchical organogels. Microscopic analyses and X-ray diffraction studies demonstrate eventual formation of nanotubes through lamellar assembly of the amphiphiles. A rheological investigation shows solvent-dictated mechanical properties that obey power law behavior similar to other low molecular weight gelators (LMOGs). The gel network was then utilized for the entrapment of drugs e.g. ibuprofen and 5-fluorouracil, with tunable mechanical behaviour under applied stress. The differential release profiles of the drugs over a period of a few hours as a result of the relative spatio-temporal location in the supramolecular network can be utilized for topical formulations.