Water-sol. self-assembled nanostructures were synthesized by simple counter ion exchange of thiacyanine dyes which helps in the formation of nematic (N) and hexagonal (M) chromonic liq.-cryst. (CLCs) phases. Conjugated double bonds as central spacers connected between two benzothiazole segments affect water soly. and liq. crystal formation. Aggregation-dependent properties characterised by UV-visible, fluorescence and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Sol-gel reaction of dye aggregates with silica species furnishes entangled nanotubular fibers with const. diam. and their length in excess of micrometres, having templates of pore sizes below the mesoporous range. The π-π stacked chromonic aggregate dyes are also of importance in shape selective catalysis, adsorption, desorption micro-patterned materials, and provide a significant step towards biosensor medical applications because of their water-sol. nature
