Biomimetic Strain-Stiffening Self-Assembled Hydrogels

Journal article (2020)

Authors

Yiming Wang East China University of Science and Technology
Zhi Xu East China University of Science and Technology
M. Lovrak ChemE/Advanced Soft Matter - AS
V.A.A. le Sage ChemE/Advanced Soft Matter - AS
K. Zhang ChemE/Advanced Soft Matter - AS
Xuhong Guo East China University of Science and Technology
R. Eelkema ChemE/Advanced Soft Matter - AS
E. Mendes ChemE/Advanced Soft Matter - AS
J.H. van Esch ChemE/Advanced Soft Matter - AS
Research Group
ChemE/Advanced Soft Matter (AS) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2020 Yiming Wang, Zhi Xu, M. Lovrak, V.A.A. le Sage, K. Zhang, Xuhong Guo, R. Eelkema, E. Mendes, J.H. van Esch
DOI
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https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201911364
Self-assembly Supramolecular chemistry Gels Low-molecular-weight gelators Strain-stiffening
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Published Date

2020

Language

English

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Faculty

Applied Sciences

Department

ChemE/Chemical Engineering

Research Group

ChemE/Advanced Soft Matter

Abstract

Supramolecular structures with strain-stiffening properties are ubiquitous in nature but remain rare in the lab. Herein, we report on strain-stiffening supramolecular hydrogels that are entirely produced through the self-assembly of synthetic molecular gelators. The involved gelators self-assemble into semi-flexible fibers, which thereby crosslink into hydrogels. Interestingly, these hydrogels are capable of stiffening in response to applied stress, resembling biological intermediate filaments system. Furthermore, strain-stiffening hydrogel networks embedded with liposomes are constructed through orthogonal self-assembly of gelators and phospholipids, mimicking biological tissues in both architecture and mechanical properties. This work furthers the development of biomimetic soft materials with mechanical responsiveness and presents potentially enticing applications in diverse fields, such as tissue engineering, artificial life, and strain sensors.