Dihydrolevoglucosenone (Cyrene) as a Biobased 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 biobased green solvent, to prepare supramolecular gels composed of self-assembling dipeptide derivatives. The gelation behavior was evaluated by using a conventional tube-inversion method. The basic properties, of the obtained supramolecular gels, including critical gel concentrations 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.