Simultaneous modulation of chirality and mechanical properties in supramolecular hydrogels by varying alkyl spacer length

Abstract

Mimicking the extracellular matrix's (ECM's) integration of chiral and mechanical cues remains challenging in synthetic hydrogels. Here, we demonstrate that alkyl spacer engineering in C₂-symmetric benzene–para-dicarboxamide phenylalanine derivatives enables simultaneous control of supramolecular handedness and mechanics: helical handedness follows spacer odd–even effects, while spacer elongation (n = 2→4) drives a 17-fold elastic modulus enhancement (0.45→7.64 kPa). This dual regulation provides a versatile strategy for designing biomimetic hydrogels.