1 research outputs found
Cohelical Crossover Network by Supramolecular Polymerization of a 4,6-Acetalized β‑1,3-Glucan Macromer
Natural
polysaccharides
represent a renewable resource whose effective utilization is of increasing
importance. Chemical modification is a powerful tool to transform
them into processable materials but usually sacrifices the original
structures and properties of value. Here we introduce a chemical modification
of Curdlan, a β-1,3-glucan, via 4,6-acetalization.
This modification has successfully combined a helix-forming ability
of Curdlan with new solubility in organic media. Furthermore, it has
operationalized
efficient cohelical crossovers (CCs) among the helices to demonstrate
the formation of an extensive supramolecular network that goes well
beyond the nanoscopic regime, allowing for preparation of flexible
self-supporting films with macroscopic dimensions. This protocol,
which is now viewed as supramolecular polymerization of a helical
polysaccharide macromer, can add a new dimension to “polysaccharide
nanotechnology”, opening a door for the creation of unconventional
polymer materials based on the cohelical crossover network (CCN)