Issue 55, 2022

Minimalistic ice recrystallisation inhibitors based on phenylalanine

Abstract

Ice recrystallisation inhibition (IRI) is typically associated with ice binding proteins, but polymers and other mimetics are emerging. Here we identify phenylalanine as a minimalistic, yet potent, small-molecule IRI capable of inhibiting ice growth at just 1 mg mL−1. Facial amphiphilicity is shown to be a crucial structural feature, with para-substituents enhancing (hydrophobic) or decreasing (hydrophilic) IRI activity. Both amino and acid groups were found to be essential. Solution-phase self-assembly of Phenylalanine was not observed, but the role of self-assembly at the ice/water interface could not be ruled out as a contributing factor.

Graphical abstract: Minimalistic ice recrystallisation inhibitors based on phenylalanine

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
04 May 2022
Accepted
10 Jun 2022
First published
10 Jun 2022
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Chem. Commun., 2022,58, 7658-7661

Minimalistic ice recrystallisation inhibitors based on phenylalanine

M. T. Warren, I. Galpin, M. Hasan, S. A. Hindmarsh, J. D. Padrnos, C. Edwards-Gayle, R. T. Mathers, D. J. Adams, G. C. Sosso and M. I. Gibson, Chem. Commun., 2022, 58, 7658 DOI: 10.1039/D2CC02531K

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