Thermo-sensitive amphiphilic supramolecular assembly based on cyclodextrin inclusion.

The ionic self-assembled organic microrods are obtained through complexing two functional molecules, sodium deoxycholate and 1-adamantanamine hydro-chloride. Meanwhile, the amphiphilicity of the complex could be changed by a supramolecular approach with cyclodextrin (CD) inclusion to obtain a thermo-sensitive system. The microrod morphology and structure are characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, single crystal analysis and X-ray powder diffraction. The mechanism of thermo-sensitivity induced by beta-CD inclusion complex is discussed in view of dynamic balance between the host beta-CDs and guest molecules. Experimental results indicate the feasibility of single crystal culture in ionic self-assembly and potential application of CDs in thermo-sensitive supramolecular systems. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.