Quadruplex knots as network nodes: nano-partitioning of guanosine derivates in supramolecular hydrogels

Aqueous solutions of guanosine-5′-monophosphates (GMP)-known to form G-quadruplexes and liquid crystal phases-can be induced to turn into high water content gels by the addition of guanosine (Gua). By a combination of Light Scattering (LS) and AFM we show that Gua/GMP hydrogels are microscopically heterogeneous, formed by Gua-rich disordered microcoils of intertwined filaments (“knots”) connected by GMP-rich long linear threads. The different thermal stability of knots and threads controls the gel transition.