Supramolecular gels derived from biomolecules are of great interest due to their potential as biocompatible materials for sensing and targeted drug delivery applications. In particular, supramolecular gels derived from dipeptides are known to be suitable for a number of biomedical applications, including tissue engineering. While the gelating potential of dipeptides has been established, there remains an interest in developing new gelating systems and novel ways to incorporate pertinent targets into the gel network. The goal of this work is to synthesize a dipeptide gelator with a boronic acid “handle” that can be used to bind to different diol-containing biomolecules and drugs, such as the neurotransmitter dopamine. We have successfully synthesized and fully characterized a boronic acid dipeptide in three steps with 88% yield. This dipeptide self-assembles in aqueous media to form stiff and stable gels. The boronic acid unit within these materials allows for the incorporation and controlled release of diols. Thus, these dipeptide-boronic acid gels have potential as media for drug-delivery applications.<br/>

Design and synthesis of dipeptide-boronic acid gelators

2019 Spring National Meeting

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