The Preparation Of Hybrid Hydrogel And Its Mechanical Property

Supramolecular hydrogels self-assembled from low molecular weight gelators(LMWG)by non-covalent interactions are becoming promising biomaterials for drug delivery and tissue engineering,since they have large water content(more than 95% by weight)and excellent biocompatibility.However,for supramolecular hydrogels,a roadblock for their application is poor mechanical property.Herein,polysaccharide(agarose)and inorganic nanoparticle(CdTe quantum dots)are incorporated into the supramolecular hydrogel to enhance its mechanical strength respectively.The new kinds of hybrid hydrogels may find versatile applications requiring stiffer strength.Firstly,a low molecular weight gelator G1 based on C2-symmetric diamide phenyl core and amino acid moieties was synthetized.The synthesis method of G1 is simple with high yield and less impurities.However,the G1 hydrogel has poor mechanical strength which limited its application.Simply prepared hybrid hydrogels assembled from C2-phenyl derived gelator and agarose are obtained.The mechanical strength of hybrid hydrogels are higher than that of supramolecular hydrogel as well as agarose hydrogel through formation of cross-linked network,and are significantly influenced by the ratio of the two gelators.As such,the enhanced mechanical performance of hybrid hydrogels may find versatile applications requiring stiffer strength.Hybrid hydrogel formed with C2-phenyl derived gelator and CdTe quantum dots had excellent fluorescence property.The mechanical strength of hybrid hydrogels were higher than that of supramolecular hydrogel,however,decreased with the concentration of quantum dot rising.As such,the enhanced mechanical strength of hybrid hydrogel with excellent fluorescence property may find its application such as bio imaging.