Dihydrolevoglucosenone (Cyrene) as a bio-based green alternative to organic solvents for the preparation of supramolecular gels consisting of self-assembling dipeptide derivatives

Herein, we describe the use of Cyrene, a bio-based green solvent, to prepare supramolecular gels composed of self-assembling dipeptide derivatives. The gelation behavior was evaluated using a conventional tube-inversion method. The basic properties of the obtained supramolecular gels, including critical gel concentrations, gel-to-sol transition temperatures, and viscoelastic properties, were assessed. In addition, the self-assembled fibrous network inside the gels was investigated via confocal laser scanning microscopy after fluorescence staining. The results offer important insights into the preparation of supramolecular gel-based materials with minimal environmental damage for practical applications.