Mechanically Active Supramolecular Systems

Ke Shi

doi:10.1002/smsc.202300300

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Mechanically Active Supramolecular Systems

2024-03-19

DOI：10.1002/smsc.202300300

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Abstract

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Mechanical sensing and transduction are integral to biological systems and have inspired research into the regulation of supramolecular self-assembly via mechanical forces. This review presents an inaugural discussion on mechanically active supramolecular systems. It focuses on two primary mechanisms for modulating these systems: the incorporation of mechanophores and the application of mechanical forces to modulate non-covalent interactions. Challenging the traditional view of mechanical forces as solely destructive, their constructive potential when harnessed through sophisticated design is showcased. Investigation is done on how external forces like ultrasound, stirring, vortex, tension, and compression can induce fluorescence in pi-conjugated systems, initiate hydrogelation, propel non-equilibrium self-assembly, and affect the structure of vesicles. The review also casts light on the prospective uses of mechanically active supramolecular systems in areas such as protein activation, drug delivery, and stress sensing, illustrating the nuanced role of mechanical forces as both disruptors and enablers in the creation of functional materials. This review summarizes recent advances in developing functional supramolecular systems that are responsive to mechanical stimuli such as compression, tension, stirring, shaking, ultrasound, and audible sound. Supramolecular systems are susceptible to mechanical stimuli at a low energy input, experiencing changes beyond the molecular scale, such as vesicle deformation, hydrogel formation/breakage, enzyme activation, chirality operation, and fibril alignment.image (c) 2024 WILEY-VCH GmbH

Keywords:

mechanical force

non-equilibrium

self-assembly

supramolecular materials