Guanosine-Based Supramolecular Hydrogels with Dynamic Time-Dependent Fluorescence for Information Encryption

Dynamic time-dependent fluorescent encrypted hydrogels provide a highly secure and sophisticated information security strategy. However, challenges still remain in developing new green encrypted hydrogels with simple preparation. Herein, a new series of guanosine (G)-based supramolecular hydrogels with dynamic time-dependent fluorescence rather than traditional fluorescent materials are exquisitely constructed via a one-pot reaction for the first time. Typically, their fluorescence intensity and wavelength can gradually change with the time dimension of more than 1 year, showing promising potential in information encryption–decryption–destruction. A detailed timescale structure characterization combined with the transition-state analysis of the self-assembly process revealed that the G-quartet-based self-assembly in hydrogels has significant endogenous dynamics, which further affects gelation and time-dependent fluorescence through the self-assembly rate. Further combined with the excellent shear thinning, self-healing, and metal ion response properties, the writing, storage, reading, and ″burning after reading″ of information can be successfully realized in a long-term dimension. Therefore, this study illustrates that the ingenious use of functional supramolecular self-assembly building blocks will be a useful strategy for the development of dynamic time-dependent fluorescent encrypted hydrogels.