Supramolecular self-organization of potential hydrogelators on attracting surfaces

This article highlights the aggregation behaviour of potential low molecular weight hydrogelators on attracting surfaces. Our goal was the development of a method, which enables the finding of new hydrogelators that are not easily recognizable as such because they only form instable or no hydrogels in aqueous solution. To this end, a series of negatively charges azo-dyes was synthesized and positive charged glass slides were immersed into their aqueous solutions. All dyes showed supramolecular organization and significant concentration on the attracting glass surface. Microscopic investigations mostly revealed the formation of crystals. However, one compound, (1-(2-n-octylphenylazo)-2-hydroxy-6-naphthalenesulphonate, selectively formed a hydrogel on the surface whereas it does not gel in aqueous solution. This reveals the hydrogel as the stable form of this compound under equilibrium conditions. This method of surface-induced hydrogelation might facilitate the identification of new hydrogelators. Further more, it might also allow the mimicking of surface gelation as a process of biological relevance.