Hierarchical self-assembly in an RNA-based coordination polymer hydrogel

An RNA-based coordination polymer is formed by the aqueous reaction of Cu-I ions with the thionucleo-side enantiomer (-)6-thioguanosine, (6tGH). The resulting polymer, [Cu-I(mu(3)-S-thioG)](n) 1, has a one-dimensional structure based on a [Cu-4-S-4] core and undergoes extensive hierarchical self-assembly transforming from oligomeric chains -> rod -> cable -> bundle through which a fibrous gel forms, that undergoes syneresis to form a self-supporting mass. The assembly involves the formation of helical cables/bundles and, in combination with the intrinsic photoemission of the polymer, results in the material exhibiting circularly polarised luminescence (CPL).