Switchable and orthogonal self-assemblies of anisotropic fibers

Anisotropic and well-defined beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and sodium laurate (SL) gel fibers, with tetragonal and lamellar packing modes respectively, were combined to generate orthogonal and switchable assemblies for the first time. Through controlling the inclusion-exclusion processes between beta-CD and SL by changing external stimuli, beta-CD gel fibers, SL gel fibers and their coexistence states can be easily tailored. Different assembled states exhibited versatile morphologies and microstructures, which were detected by microscopy and X-ray scattering measurements. Furthermore, controllable assemblies provide facile ways to control the mechanical properties of the hybrid gels. The orthogonal self-assembly with self-sorting properties would enable this system to attract interest in material science.