Low molecular weight gelators (LMWGs) are interesting materials whose applications are as diverse and wide ranging as their molecular structures. These materials self-assemble through the formation of non-covelent intermolecular forces and interactions to form supramolecular assemblies that trap solvent within their matrices. Because of the non-covalent nature of the forces of self-assembly, the gelation process is typically thermally reversible. In addition, low molecular weight gelators can also be modified to respond to various stimuli, such as change in pH, presence of enzymes or metal cations, or exposure to light. The design of low molecular weight gelators is often difficult, and most new classes of low molecular weight gelators are discovered by serendipity. As such, it is often useful to use structural templates in the design of LMWGs. Biomolecules, such as steroids, amino acids and peptides, and carbohydrates make excellent templates due to their inherent propensity to self assemble. A review of the current literature regarding the use of biomolecules as templates for the design and synthesis of LMWGs will be presented in chapter 1. Our research group has been active in the research of carbohydrate-based LMWGs for several years, and these results are also briefly reviewed in the related chapters. The synthesis and characterization of ester derivatives of D-galactose, D-glucose, and amide derivatives of D-glucosamine will be discussed in chapters 2-4, along with their evaluation for gelation in aqueous and organic solvents, such as hexane, ethanol, water, and aqueous DMSO or ethanol mixtures.

The present thesis titled “Molecular Modulation of Material Properties: Stud- ies on Nanoparticles, Nanoassemblies and Low Molecular Mass Gelator” deals with the preparation, characterization, and investigations into the properties of gold nanoparticles coated with novel thiols. The coverage of nanoparticle surfaces with these thiols renders them with special characteristics that will be of interest in biological and sensor applications. Also, a novel low molecular mass tetrameric sugar-based hydrogelator was synthesized and its gelation properties were studied in detail. Chapter 1 gives a general introduction and an overview about Nanomaterials, with emphasis towards nanoparticles of gold, which form the basis of this work. It delves with the history of research in noble metal nanoparticles, their interesting electronic and optical properties, the present methods of synthesis of high quality nanoparticles of noble metals, numerous potential applications of these novel materials, as well as the challenges in their real-life applications, and ends with the future outlook of this field of research. Chapter 2 describes the synthesis and characterization of three cationic lipid-like disulfides whose molecular structures are shown in Fig. 2.1. Gold nanoparticles capped with these molecules were then synthesized in small size dispersion by a simple one-phase protocol. These particles exhibited remarkably different solubility properties that were dictated by the molecular structure of the capping agent. The nanoparticles were characterized by a variety of techniques like UV-visible spec- troscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR), Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Zeta Potential measurements. These nanoparticles were then examined for their interactions (structural formula) Figure 1: Chemical Structures of the cationic lipid-like thiols used for nanoparticle preparation with dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline (DPPC) vesicles as model biological membranes. TEM, UV-vis, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were employed to probe the interactions. It was found that the capping agent of the nanoparticle had a strong bearing upon the interactions of the nanoparticles with DPPC vesicles. Chapter 3 describes the assembly of hydrophilic cationic nanoparticles upon elec- trostatic interaction with a variety of anionic surfactants. The chemical structures of some of the anions employed in the study, as well as a schematic of cationic nanopar- ticle are shown in Fig. 2. Upon ion pairing with long-chain anionic surfactants, the hydrophilic cationic nanoparticles were completely hydrophobized. They could then be phase-transferred to organic layer. TEM showed that nanoparticles assemble in to a variety of mesostructures upon ion-pairing with anions. The aggregate formation was found to depend critically upon length of the hydrophobic alkyl chain as well as the head-group of the anion. Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) was employed to probe the interactions of these nanoparticles with anions. It was found that the anions that resulted in nanoparticle precipitation displayed exothermic interactions with the nanoparticle. Chapter 4 deals with the synthesis of -thiolated metal chelator derivatives whose structures are shown in Fig. 3. The molecules are based on well-known chelators viz. iminodiacetic acid and bis-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine. While the first one is carboxylic acid-based chelator, the second one is pyridine-based. Nanoparticles coated with these chelators were synthesized in a size-controlled manner. These nanoparticles exhibited pH-controlled reversible assembly. However, while S-IDA based nanoparticles aggregated at low pH values, the S-BPA based nanoparticles aggregated in high pH regimes. Mixed monolayer protected gold nanoparticles were synthesized by employing S-BPA and C12H25SH as capping agents. It resulted in the formation of nanoparticles in low size-dispersion. These nanoparticles were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy to infer the ratio of the two capping agents on the nanoparticle surface. These nanoparticles demonstrated metal-ion induced aggregation. It was found that the nanoparticles could differentiate Cu2+ ions from other ions, and immediately formed aggregates in presence of Cu2+ ions. Chapter 5 describes the synthesis of novel mono-thiolated “Gemini” surfactants for nanoparticle synthesis. Gemini surfactants with different spacers were prepared. These surfactants had a 12-n-12 kind of molecular structure as shown in the Fig. 4. Upon preparation of nanoparticles with these thiols, the resulting material was soluble in water in the case of rigid thiols like D2S and DBPS Chapter 6 deals with the synthesis and hydrogelation properties of a low molecular mass hydrogelator based on an azobenzene based tetrameric sugar derivative (Fig. 5). The pKa of carboxylic acids in the molecule were determined using 13C NMR. The trans-to-cis isomerization of the compound was probed by time-dependent UV-vis studies. The sugar derivative exhibited pronounced hydrogelation capacity, gelling water at micromolar concentration. The gel formed was characterized extensively (structural formula) Figure 2: Schematic of cationic nanoparticles and molecular structures of the anions employed for nanoparticle assembly (structural formula) Figure 3: Chemical structures of metal-chelator containing thiols employed for the pH-controlled and metal-ion mediated nanoparticle assembly (structural formula) Figure 4: Schematic of cationic nanoparticles and molecular structures of the anions employed for nanoparticle assembly (structural formula) Figure 5: Chemical Structure of azobenzene-based tetrameric sugar derivative exhibit- ing pronounced hydrogelation using melting temperature analysis, UV-vis, FT-IR, circular dichroism spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The resultant gel exhibited impressive tolerance to the pH variation of the aqueous phase and gelated water in the pH range of 4 to 10. While UV-vis and CD spectroscopy indicated that pronounced aggregation of the azobenzene chromophores in the gelator was responsible for gelation, FT-IR studies showed that hydrogen bonding is also a contributing factor in the gelation process. The melting of gel was found to depend upon the pH of the aqueous medium in which gel was formed. The gel showed considerable photostability to UV irradiation indicating tight intermolecular packing inside gelated state that render azobenzene groups in the resultant aggregate refractory to photoisomerization. The electron micrographs of the aqueous gels thus formed showed the existence of spongy globular aggregates in such gelated materials. Addition of salts to the aqueous medium led to a delay in the gelation process and also caused remarkable morphological changes in the microstructure of the gel. Appendix A describes the employment of ligand-free palladium nanoparticles towards efficient catalysis of Heck and Suzuki reactions in aqueous medium. Hexadecyl trimethylammonium bromide was employed as the surfactant to achieve solubilization of organic compounds in aqueous medium. UV-vis and TEM investigations into the formation of nanoparticles in the reaction media were undertaken. These studies indicate that the nanoparticles were formed by reduction of potassium tetrachloropalladinate by methyl acrylate used as one of the reactants. TEM investigation indicated the formation of nanoparticle assemblies upon solvent drying. Efficient and catalytic synthesis of a number of organic compounds could be achieved in high yield.

The thesis entitled “Evolution of New Lipids and Molecular Gelators: Syntheses, Aggregation Properties and Applications” elucidates the design, synthesis, aggregation properties and application of new lipids based on α-tocopheryl backbone and also with triazacyclononane (TACN) moiety. This thesis also elucidates the synthesis and aggregation properties of molecular gelators based on pyrene-pentapeptide and naphthalene diimide (NDI) moiety. The work has been divided into five chapters. Chapter 1: Introduction: Self-assembled Molecular Aggregates and their Potential Applications This chapter describes the importance of different self-assemble mainly lipids and molecular gelator. Lipids mediated gene delivery, drug delivery and metal ion induced interaction are discussed. For liposomal gene delivery here we mainly describe example of cationic gemini lipids. This chapter also gives a comprehensive account of the research towards the development of novel liposomal drug delivery containing tocopheryl backbone. It also includes the utilization of liposome which could coordinate with metal ions and their interaction with different biological analyte. Here we also discuss a wide range of molecular gelator mainly based on NDI and amino acid or peptide. Chapter 2A: Physicochemical Characterization of Bilayer Membranes Derived from (±) α-Tocopherol Based Gemini Lipids and their Interaction with plasmid-DNA and Phosphatidylcholine Bilayers In this sub-chapter we discuss the membrane formation and aggregation properties of a series of (±) α-tocopherol based cationic gemini lipids (Figure 1) varying polymethylene spacer length (TnS; n = 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 12) are studied extensively while comparing with corresponding properties of monomeric counterpart (TM). Liposomal suspensions of all cationic lipids are characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurements and small angle x-ray diffraction studies. Aggregation properties of the gemini lipids are highly dependent on the spacer length and were significantly distinct from that of monomeric lipid (TM). Figure 1. Molecular structures of (±) α-tocopherol based cationic monomeric and six gemini lipids that differ in polymethylene spacer length. Stable monolayer formation at air water interface formation of each amphiphile is studied by Langmuir film balance technique. Interaction of liposome with plasmid DNA is studied by ethidium bromide (EB) intercalation assay. Micellar sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) mediated release of the plasmid DNA from various pre-formed lipoplex is also studied. Structural transformation of pDNA upon complexation with liposome is characterized by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Interaction of all tocopheryl lipids with a model phospholipid, L-α-dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) derived vesicles is thoroughly examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and DPH fluorescence anisotropy measurements. Succinctly, we perform a detailed physicochemical characterization on cationic monomeric and gemini lipids bearing tocopherol as their hydrophobic backbone. Chapter 2B: Physicochemical Characterization of Bilayer Membranes Derived from (±) α-Tocopherol Based Gemini Lipids Containing Hydroxyethyl Functionality in the Headgroups and their Interaction with plasmid-DNA and Phosphatidylcholine Bilayers This sub-chapter describes the synthesis and aggregation properties of series of tocopheryl-based monomeric and gemini cationic lipids with hydroxyethyl functionality (Figure 2) in the headgroup region. Gemini lipids of this given series differ in their polymethylene spacer -(CH2)n- chain lengths between cationic headgroups. All monomeric and gemini lipids are found to generate stable suspensions in aqueous media. Average hydrodynamic diameter and surface charge of liposome are characterized by DLS and zeta potential measurements. Atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopic studies show that all lipids form vesicular Figure 2. Molecular structures of (±) α-tocopherol based cationic monomeric and five new lipids with hydroxyethyl functionality in the headgroups that differ in polymethylene spacer length aggregates in aqueous media. XRD studies with the cast films of lipids reveal interdigitated bilayer arrangement of liposome. pDNA binding and release studies show that the interactions between gemini lipids and DNA depend upon the nature of head group as well as the length of the spacer between cationic head groups. Circular Dichroism (CD) spectra of lipoplex are measured to characterize structural transformation of pDNA upon complexation with liposome. DPH anisotropy and DSC studies of the DPPC-cationic lipid co-aggregates show that ~20 mol-% of of the tocopheryl gemini lipids is enough to abolish phase transition of DPPC membranes whereas more than 20 mol-% is required in case of their monomeric counterparts. Furthermore thermotropic properties of co-aggregates depend upon the length of the spacer of gemini lipid included in the mixture. Chapter 2C: Transfection Efficacies of α-Tocopherol Based Cationic Gemini Lipids with Hydroxyethyl Containing Headgroups. In this sub-chapter, we demonstrate transfection efficiency of five α-tocopheryl gemini lipid with hydroxyethyl containing headgroups (Figure 3). Co-liposomal formulations with helper lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) form highly stable formulations in water. Co-liposomal formulations with high molar ratio of DOPE (1.5:1 and 2:1) show higher transfection efficiency than liposome with low DOPE content liposome. Co-liposome of gemini lipids with longer spacer (n = 8 and 12) have higher level of luciferase expression in HepG2 cell line. In A549 and MCF-7 cell lines also co-liposomes of TH8S (2:1) are proved to be better than other co-liposome. N/P ratios of highest transfection are 1-1.5. These formulations are more potent than L2K in all three cancer cell line. The comparison with gemini lipid (T8T) without Figure 3. Molecular structures of (±) α-tocopherol based cationic gemini lipids that differ in polymethylene spacer length and helper lipid DOPE. hydroxylethyl group also proves the importance of hydroxyethyl functionalities. High serum stability of DOPE-gemini lipid formulation is attributed to tocopherol backbone and also hydroxyethyl functionalities. Circular dichroism data also show that lipoplex of DOPE-TH8S (2:1) have different conformation than the other. Relatively moderate binding efficiency and easy release of pDNA is also observed with DOPE-TH8S (2:1) in the EB-displacement assay which could be plausible reason for high transfection efficiency. Chapter 2D: Reduction Responsive Nanoliposomes of α-Tocopheryl-Lipoic Acid Conjugate for Efficacious Drug Delivery to Sensitive and Resistant Cancer Cells In this sub-chapter, we present lipid conjugates derived from biologically relevant molecules, i.e., tocopherol and lipoic acid (Figure 4). These conjugates (TL1 and TL2) are able to form stable nanoliposomes (~100 nm) that respond to the reducing environment of cells as shown by the treatments of 1,4-Dithiothreitol (DTT) and Glutathione (GSH). Figure 4. Molecular structures of tocopheryl-lipoic acid conjugates, TL1 and TL2 Nanoliposomes could efficiently load the drug (DOX) molecules and release them in response to the stimulus. Nanoliposomes are stable enough in the presence of serum and could deliver DOX inside drug sensitive and drug resistant cells in an efficient manner that is even better than the drug alone treatments as shown by means of flow cytometry and confocal microscopy analysis. DOX loaded nanoliposomal formulations show relatively less cell viability counts than those drug alone treatments. Chapter 3A: Interaction of Nickel (II) and mida ole it Triazacyclononane Modified Chelator Amphiphiles: A Potential Substrate for Immobilization of His-tag Protein on Hydrophilic Surface This sub-chapter describes two chelator amphiphiles based on 1, 4, 7-traiazaclonone (TACN) (Figure 5). These compounds could bind efficiently Ni2+ ion. Self-assemble of these amphiphiles form vesicular aggregates. Their packing properties of these amphiphiles are influence by Ni2+ and imidazole. Also influence of Ni2+ and imidazole in Langmuir monolayer isotherm of these amphiphiles at air-water interface are also studied. Figure 5. Molecular structures of TACNA chelator amphiphiles. These studies show the newly synthesized amphiphiles could immobilize histidine tagged protein on both bilayer and monolayer surface. One of these compounds with Ni2+ (C16TACNA-Ni2+) is used to transfer a His-tagged protein nucleolin on hydrophilicobic glass surface by Langmuir-Blodgett transfer technique. So, these compounds with Ni2+ could be very useful to attach different His-tagged protein or polypeptide of interest on the bilayer (liposome) or monolayer surface. Chapter 3B: Supramolecular Hosts for Enhancing the Selectivity of TACN Based Probes towards Copper (II): Differential Output Signals for Cysteine and Histidine In this sub-chapter, we have developed a new amphipathic probe compound 1 having TACN as the binding site and dansyl as signaling moiety (Figure 6). As TACN is known for its’ unspecific interaction with multiple ions, the probe shows response with most of the transition metal ions. However, incorporation into different supramolecular hosts (like micelle and vesicles) drastically improves the selectivity of compound 1 towards Cu2+ (diminution of bright green fluorescence) in water. Then we Figure 6. Molecular structures of dansylated TACN chelator amphiphiles. have also employed the Cu2+ complex of compound 1 for selective estimation of amino acids. Addition of cysteine regains the green emission of compound while histidine exhibits blue intense emission upon formation of ternary conjugate. Chapter 4: Transforming a β-Sheet Pyrenylated-VPGKG Sequence into pH Tolerent, Thixotropic Hydrogel by Arene-Perfluoroarene Interactions and Visualized Sensing of Calcium (II) Ion In this chapter we discuss self-assembly studies of a novel thermoresponsive, lipidated, pyrene-appended peptide, PyP (Figure 7). Size of the vesicular aggregates of the β-sheet forming peptide, PyP, strongly depends on the temperature of the solution in water. Further pyrene-octafluoronaphthalene (OFN) pair has been used as supramolecular synthon to induce hydrogelation of PyP in presence of equimolar amount of OFN via complementary quadrupole-quadrupole interactions. The gel shows excellent pH tolerant as well as thixotropic behavior. Detailed studies suggested the lamellar packing of the gelator in a right-handed helical fashion yielded vesicular aggregates. The sticky vesicles form gel via inter- Figure 7. Molecular structure of the Pyrenylated-VPGKG peptide (PyP) and octafluoronapthalene (OFN). Ca2+ ion reinforces the mechanical strength and also reduces the critical gelator concentration of the native gel through coordination with the free -COO- group of the gelator. Therefore, this present system could be used as a visualized sensor of Ca2+ ion. Chapter 5: First Report of Naphthalenediimide Based Metallo(organo)gel In this chapter, we have demonstrated synthesis of a novel asymmetric bolaamphiphilic (Figure 8). NDI derivative is capable of self assemble into stable gel in EtOH. Detailed studies reveal the gelator molecule of 1 adopt a parallel alignment in the lamellae during self-aggregation as nanoscopic spherical assemblies. In addition, dried gel of 1 shows nematic liquid crystalline phase. Further, we synthesize a novel metal-ligand discrete complex 2 in a nearly quantitative yield by reacting equimolar amount of 1 and PdCl2(PhCN)2. Figure 8. NDI derivative, 1, and its discrete metal complex 2. Complex 2 has been found to yield stable gel in dichloromethane (DCM) or chloroform (CHCl3) through the formation of high aspect ratio fibers. ROESY NMR experiment of Complex 2 has been found to yield stable gel in dichloromethane (DCM) or chloroform (CHCl3) through the formation of high aspect ratio fibers. ROESY NMR experiment of

Chapter 1. An Overview of Bile Acid Science This chapter deals with an overview of bile acid science (cholanology) compiling elevant literature review, covering bile acid chemistry, biosynthesis, bile salt evolution, physiology and medicinal values. Figure 1. (a) Digestive system; (b) enterohepatic circulation and (c) cholic acid Bile acids are the end products of cholesterol metabolism, secreted in the liver and stored in the gall bladder (Figure 1). They are normally conjugated with glycine (75%) or taurine (25%). Because of their facially amphiphilic nature, bile salts tend to form micellar aggregates in aqueous solution. They have remarkable ability to transform lamellar array of lipids into mixed micelles. All primary bile acids seem to have three features in common: (1) They are major products of cholesterol metabolism; (ii) they are secreted into the bile largely in a conjugated form and (iii) the conjugates are membrane impermeable, water soluble, amphiphilic molecules. Recent advances in molecular biology have greatly accelerated the knowledge relating to the significance of bile salts in a number of physiological functions. The new role of bile salts as pheromones and ligands for nuclear hormone receptors has been discussed. Chapter 2. Pythocholic Acid: A Major Constituent of Python’s Bile and 16α-Hydroxycholic Acid: A Minor Constituent of Avian’s Bile The first chemical synthesis of pythocholic acid (major constituent of python’s bile) and 16α-Hydroxycholic acid (a minor constituent of avian’s bile) were accomplished starting from cholic acid with overall yields of 5.0% and 5.5%, respectively. A biomimetic remote functionalization strategy was utilized as a key step to achieve the selective chlorination at C-17. Dehydrochlorination of 17-chlorosteroid resulted in the Δ16 olefin. Hydroboration-oxidation of the Δ16 olefin followed by the selective oxidation of the pentol under TEMPO mediated oxidation resulted in an ε-lactone. Hydrolysis of the lactone using 5% KOH in MeOH furnished the 16α-Hydroxycholic acid. On the other hand, selective oxidation of 7-OH of the lactone was achieved using N-bromosuccinimide in acetone/H2O to yield the 7-keto lactone. The ketolactone when subjected to the Huang-Minlon modification of the Wolf-Kishner reduction furnished pythocholic acid. Pythocholic acid showed unusual aggregation behavior and high cholesterol solubilization ability, compared to other trihydroxy bile acids. Chapter 3. 16-Epi-pythocholic acid: An Unnatural Analogue of Pythocholic Acid The synthesis of 16-epi-pythocholic acid, an unnatural analogue of pythocholic acid, was accomplished starting from cholic acid. Cholic acid was converted to Δ8-14) olefin using ZnCl2 in refluxing acetone. Methylation followed by isomerization in CHCl3 by passing dry. HCl at -78 oC resulted in the Δ14 olefin. Allylic oxidation using Na2Cr2O7.2H2O in the presence of N-hydroxysuccinimide in acetone furnished the enone. Selective reduction of the olefin using Pd/C-H2 resulted in 16-Epi-pythocholic acid the 16-keto steroid. NaBH4 reduction of this ketone in MeOH/THF (2:1 v/v) followed by hydrolysis produced the 16-OH bile acid. Analysis of spectral data confirmed that it is a 16β-epimer of pythocholic acid (3α,12α,16β-trihydroxy-5β-cholan-24-oic acid). Critical micellar concentration and cholesterol solubilization properties were studied. Chapter 4. Low Molecular Mass Organogelators Derived from Simple Esters of Cholic Acid This chapter begins with an introduction to low molecular mass organogelators and highlights their applications. Serendipitous gelation of a number of organic solvents by allyl cholate and the design of related simple esters of cholic acid are discussed. A series of simple and easily accessible esters of bile acids were prepared. Ethyl cholate and propyl cholate were found to immobilize a variety of organic solvents like benzene, toluene, xylene, mesitylene, 1,2-dichlorbenzene (DCB) and chlorobenzene (Figure 2). The morphology of the xerogels was well characterized using SEM, AFM and polarizing optical microscopy (POM) techniques, Which revealed the presence of highly entangled self-assembled 3D-fibrillar network (SAFINs). The fiber diameter was found to vary between 300-500 nm. Direct imaging of the collapse of this fibrillar network and direct observation of the evolution of nanofibers was achieved for the first time using variable temperature POM techniques. FT-IR studies, X-ray powder diffraction and variable temperature POM studies revealed the resemblance of SAFINs to the bulk solid. Formation of helical fibrillar network was observed in SEM images and the existence of chiral aggregates was confirmed by induced circular dichroism experiment using achiral Reichardt’s dye as the chromophore. Chapter 5. Ambidextrous Gelators Derived from Spacer Linked Bile Acid Derivatives Based on our observation of simple esters of cholic acid as organogelators a rational design of a series of spacer linked dimers and tripodal derivatives were carried out. Some of these molecules formed highly transparent gels in solvents like haloarenes, anisole, xylene and dibromoalkanes. These molecules also showed rapid gelation in DMF/H2O and DMSO/H2O mixtures in varying proportions of water and the co-solvent. These types of gelators are known as ambidextrous gelators. The xerogels were characterized using SEM, TEM and POM techniques and the presence of highly entangled 3D-fibrillar network (Figure 3) was observed. XRPD showed crystalline nature of bulk solid, whereas the xerogels were shown to lose their crystalline nature. (For figures and structural formula pl see the pdf file.)

Chapter 1. Supramolecular Gels and their Applications Supramolecular gels are viscoelastic materials composed of a solid like three dimensional fibrillary network that is embedded in a liquid. Supramolecular gels are derived from low molecular weight compounds (typically MW < 3000). In the 1990s, the investigations on gels were mainly focused on designing new gelator molecules. However, during the last decade, research focus shifted towards designing functional gels and their applications. As a result of extensive work in this area, gels have been found to have varied applications in the templated synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials, hybrid materials, light harvesting systems, as responsive system and sensors, and also in drug delivery, tissue engineering etc. This chapter gives an introduction to supramolecular hydrogels/organogels and relevant bile acid chemistry touching upon the gelation properties of the bile acid derivatives. Diverse applications of the supramolecular gels are also illustrated with several examples. Scheme 1. Various applications of functional supramolecular gels Chapter 2. Bile Acid derived novel Hydrogelators Part 1. Hydrogelation of Bile acid protected Amino acids and Hybrid Materials Hydrogels from low molecular weight molecules have significant importance in biomedical applications. In this chapter, we report injectable hydrogel formation from bile acid conjugates of various amino acids. Hydrogel formation was found to be dependent on multiple factors such as bile acid backbone structure, linkage between the bile acid and the amino acid, pH etc. Single crystal structures of lithocholyl phenylalanine, lithocholyl-glycine, lithocholyl-L valine and lithocholyl-L alanine were also determined. Finally, the hydrogel frameworks were utilized to produce hybrid materials with Gold and ZnO nanoparticles. Scheme 2. (a) Crystal structure of LC-LF-OH gelator molecule, (b) photograph of gel, (c) SEM and (d) AFM image of LC-LF-OH xerogel Part 2. Hydrogelation of bile acid-dipeptide conjugates and in situ synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles in the hydrogel matrix Fabricating supramolecular hydrogels with embedded metal nanostructures are important for the design of novel hybrid nanocomposite materials for diverse applications such as bio sensing and chemo sensing platforms, catalytic and antibacterial functional materials etc. Supramolecular self-assembly of bile acid-dipeptide conjugates have led to the formation of new supramolecular hydrogels. Gelation of these molecules depends strongly on the hydrophobic character of the bile acids. Ag+ and Au3+ salts were incorporated in the hydrogels, and photo reduction and chemical reduction led to the in situ generation of Ag and Au NPs in these supramolecular hydrogels without the addition of any external stabilizing agent. The color, size and shape of silver nanoparticles formed by photo reduction depended on the amino acid residue on the side chain. Furthermore, the hydrogel-Ag nanocomposite was tested for its antimicrobial activity. Scheme 3. Bile acid based dipeptide hydrogelators and soft hybrid materials Chapter 3. Sonogels of bile salts of In(III): use in the formation of self-templated indium sulfide nanostructures In this chapter, facile hydrogel formation by Indium(III) cholate and deoxy cholate are reported. When In(III) solution was added to aqueous solutions of sodium cholate and sodium deoxy cholate and sonicated, the mixtures formed gels. The gels thus obtained were translucent/turbid and thermos irreversible. Rheological measurements showed that all of them could be classified as viscoelastic soft solids. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy showed typical entangled three dimensional fibrous networks. The In-Ch hydrogel were further used to prepare nanostructured In2S3 in which the cholate units possibly acted as a surfactant to confine the growth of the Nano flakes. Scheme 4. In-Ch hydrogel (Photograph and SEM image of In-Ch gel) Chapter 4. Palladium-Hydrogel Nanocomposite for C-C Coupling Reactions Supported metallic nanoparticles are important composite materials owing to their enormous potential for applications in various fields. This chapter describes the in situ formation of palladium nanoparticles in a calcium-cholate (Ca-Ch) hydrogel by reduction with sodium cyan borohydride. The hydrogel matrix appeared to assist the controlled growth as well as stabilization of palladium nanoparticles. The palladium nanoparticle/Ca-Ch hydrogel hybrid was characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Furthermore, PdNP/Ca-Ch hybrid xerogel was shown to act as an active catalyst for Suzuki reaction under aqueous aerobic conditions, up to 4 cycles. This PdNP/Ca-Ch xerogel retained its catalytic activities on storage for several months. Scheme 5. Palladium-hydrogel nanocomposite for C-C coupling reactions in water Chapter 5. Sensitization of Terbium/Europium in self-assembled cholate hydrogel: An approach towards the detection of amine vapours "Luminescent" lanthanides have intrinsic low molar absorptivity, although this problem can be addressed by complexing the lanthanide ion with suitable chelating ligands which improve the luminescence properties drastically. However the design of such systems often involves careful planning and laborious synthetic steps. It is therefore desirable to have a simpler way to sensitize lanthanides with high efficiency. It was observed in our group that trivalent lanthanides formed hydrogels on the addition of sodium cholate. This chapter describes the discovery of the several biphenyl derivatives (such as 4-biphenylcarbaxaldehyde, 4-acetylbiphenyl) for sensitization of Tb(III) and Eu(III) in lanthanide hydrogels. Sensitization of Tb(III) and Eu(III) were observed by doping was characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Furthermore, PdNP/Ca-Ch hybrid xerogel was shown to act as an active catalyst for Suzuki reaction under aqueous aerobic conditions, up to 4 cycles. This PdNP/Ca-Ch xerogel retained its catalytic activities on storage for several months. Scheme 6. Schematic representation of the sensitization process (the arrangement of themolecules in the gel fiber is arbitrary)(For figures pl refer the abstract pdf file)