Issue 3, 2014

A carbohydrate-based hydrogel containing vesicles as responsive non-covalent cross-linkers

Abstract

In this edge article we report the preparation of a supramolecular carbohydrate hydrogel containing cyclodextrin vesicles as 3D junctions. A cellulose polymer is randomly modified with hydrophobic side groups that act as guests for the cyclodextrin hosts on the surface of the vesicles. Hence, the vesicles interconnect the polymer chains into a three-dimensional network and act as multivalent linkages. The resulting gel shows significant shear-thinning and self-healing properties, which make it highly suitable for applications that require injectability. Furthermore, SAXS and cryo-TEM measurements indicate that intact vesicles are present in the gel matrix.

Graphical abstract: A carbohydrate-based hydrogel containing vesicles as responsive non-covalent cross-linkers

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Edge Article
Submitted
25 Oct 2013
Accepted
16 Nov 2013
First published
19 Nov 2013

Chem. Sci., 2014,5, 1054-1058

A carbohydrate-based hydrogel containing vesicles as responsive non-covalent cross-linkers

S. Himmelein, V. Lewe, M. C. A. Stuart and B. J. Ravoo, Chem. Sci., 2014, 5, 1054 DOI: 10.1039/C3SC52964A

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