Glycosyl-Nucleoside Lipids as Low-Molecular-Weight Gelators

A family of new glycosyl-nucleoside lipids (GNLs) that were prepared using, a convenient "double click" chemistry route is described. Physicochemical studies (surface tension measurements, gelation properties, and transmission electron microscopy) indicate that these amphiphiles spontaneously assemble into supramolecular structures including fibers, vesicles, hydrogels, and organogels. GNLs possess unique gelation properties both in water and chloroform. A very low minimum gelation concentration of 0.1% (w/w) was observed in the case of the amide-saturated derivative in water.