Recent advancements in the design and application of Thioctic acid-based self-assembled materials

Abstract

Thioctic Acid (TA), as an endogenous multifunctional molecule, has become a research focus in the field of self-assembled materials due to its dynamic disulfide bonds, amphiphilic structure, and carboxyl reactive sites. This article systematically reviews the preparation methods of TA-based self-assembled materials and their application progress in various fields. The ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of TA (thermally initiated, photo-initiated, ion-induced, etc.) forms a dynamic poly (TA) network, endowing the material with reversible crosslinking and self-healing properties. In terms of application fields, TA-based materials exhibit unique advantages: 1) In the biomedical field, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, along with drug-controlled release capabilities, synergistically promote wound repair, neuroprotection, and tumor-targeted therapy. 2) In analytical detection, the coordination properties of TA with metals are utilized for the detection of heavy metal ions. 3) In battery energy, the polymer network of TA can enhance the cycle stability of devices. 4) In the field of intelligent devices, flexible devices are highly regarded in human-machine collaboration and sensing. 5) In environmental protection, TA-based adsorbents efficiently remove water pollutants through coordination effects. 6) In other fields, TA is used as raw materials for 3D printing, adhesives, and modifiers. Additionally, by introducing functional groups to structurally modify TA, the application of its derivatives can be further expanded in scenarios such as underwater adhesives and antibacterial coatings. By showcasing the diverse applications and promising potential of these materials, we aim to inspire further exploration into novel territories, offering valuable insights for the development of TA-based self-assembly materials in untapped fields.