Bicomponent β-sheet assembly of dipeptide fluorophores of opposite polarity and sensitive detection of nitro-explosives

Abstract

Fluorescent hydrogels of two dipeptide–pyrene amphiphiles of opposite polarity are developed via bicomponent antiparallel β-sheet co-assembly. The helical molecular assembly resulted in the formation of fluorescent nanofibers. The sandwich-like interaction of nitroaromatics within the hydrogel matrix enabled selective and sensitive detection of toxic nitro-explosives.