Self-assembly of Urea Derivatives into Supramolecular Gels

Abstract

In this review, we present our development of low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs) with urea moieties. A C₃-symmetric tris-urea framework was found to be an excellent structure for LMWG. Tuning the molecular structure has enabled the creation of LMWGs that gel in a wide range of media, ranging from organic solvents to water. The introduction of appropriate functional groups into LMWGs can be reflected in a function of the resulting supramolecular gel. Our developed supramolecular gels were applied as substrates for electrophoresis, and the separation of proteins and DNA was achieved. Considering material applications, we also developed structurally simplified mono-urea derivatives as LMWGs.