The effects of amino acid functionalisation on the optoelectronic properties and self-assembly of perylene bisimides

Here we report on ten water-soluble perylene bisimides that are functionalised with the amino acids L-alanine, L-aspartic acid, L-glutamic acid, L-phenylalanine, L-histidine, L-leucine, L-methionine, L-valine, L-tryptophan, and L-tyrosine. Reduction potentials, absoprtion and emission spectra, molar absorptivity, quantum yield, and rheology are obtained and the data interpreted for each species in aqueous solution or hydrogels in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subtle effects of amino acid functionalisation on the optoelectronic and supramolecular properties.