Binary Organogels via Some Aminobenzimidazole/Benzothiazole Compounds and Fatty Acids with Different Alkyl Lengths: Self-Assembly and Drug Release Properties

Abstract

In this paper the gelation behaviors of binary organogels composed of aminobenzimidazole/benzothiazole compounds and fatty acids with different alkyl lengths in various organic solvents were designed and investigated. Their gelation behaviors in 20 solvents were tested as new binary organic gelators. It showed that the length of alkyl substituent chains and benzimidazole/benzothiazole segment have played a crucial role in the gelation behavior of all gelator mixtures in various organic solvents. The lengths of alkyl substituent chains have also played an important role in changing the gelation behaviors and assembly states. Morphological studies revealed that the gelator molecules self-assemble into different aggregates from wrinkle, lamella, belt, to dot with change of solvents. Spectral studies indicated that there existed different H-bond formation and hydrophobic force, depending on benzimidazole/benzothiazole segment and alkyl substituent chains in molecular skeletons. The present work may give new clues for designing new binary organogelators and soft materials.

Keywords:

• Binary organogel
• self-assembly
• nanostructure
• drug release
• fatty acid