Bolaamphiphile-based supramolecular gels with drugs eliciting membrane effects

Abstract

Supramolecular chemistry has garnered important interest in recent years toward improving therapeutic efficacy via drug delivery approaches. Although self-assemblies have been deeply investigated, the design of novel drugs leveraging supramolecular chemistry is less known. In this contribution, we show that a Low Molecular Weight Gel (LMWG) can elicit cancer cell apoptosis. This biological effect results from the unique supramolecular properties of a bolaamphiphile-based gelator, which allow for strong interaction with the lipid membrane. This novel supramolecular-drug paradigm opens up new possibilities for therapeutic applications targeting membrane lipids.

Keywords: Bolaamphiphiles; Fluorocarbon; Hydrogels; Membrane; Supramolecular.