Investigating the potential of a self-healing semiconducting supramolecular Mg(ii)-metallohydrogel in non-volatile memory design and its therapeutic properties towards bacteria infected wound healing†

Abstract

A swift and effective technique was employed to fabricate a novel supramolecular metallohydrogel, named Mg@5AP, by incorporating Mg(II) ions. This groundbreaking gel utilized 5-amino-1-pentanol as a low molecular weight gelator, formulated in an aqueous solution at room temperature. Mechanical robustness was assessed through rheological analysis, affirming the resilience of Mg@5AP under various mechanical strains and angular frequencies. Notably, the metallohydrogel displayed thixotropic properties, indicating its ability to self-repair. Structural characterization revealed a distinct network of rectangular, mixed flake rod-like structures within Mg@5AP, as observed through scanning and transmission electron microscopy (FESEM and TEM). Elemental mapping using energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the presence of key chemical components. Further insights into its formation were obtained via Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. In this investigation, Schottky diode structures in a metal–semiconductor–metal arrangement were fabricated using the magnesium(II) metallohydrogel (Mg@5AP) to explore its charge transport behavior. Additionally, a resistive random access memory (RRAM) device was fabricated from Mg@5AP, showcasing bipolar resistive switching at room temperature. A detailed observation of the switching mechanism, involving the formation and disruption of conduction filaments, explained the resistive switching process. The RRAM device exhibited exceptional performance with a high ON/OFF ratio of approximately 120 and impressive endurance, surpassing 5000 switching cycles. This durability suggests the suitability of these devices without any electrical degradation. Furthermore, Mg@5AP demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia strain and its biofilm formation. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined to be 3 mg mL⁻¹ when dissolved in 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). An MTT assay revealed a 60% inhibition of biofilm formation at a concentration of 1 mg mL⁻¹ of Mg@5AP in 1% DMSO. Moreover, in a mouse excisional wound model, Mg@5AP played a pivotal role in preventing postoperative wound infections and promoting wound healing.