Crosslinker-Induced Effects on the Gelation Pathway of a Low Molecular Weight Hydrogel.

Noteborn, Willem E M; Zwagerman, Damy N H; Talens, Victorio Saez; Maity, Chandan; van der Mee, Lars; Poolman, Jos M; Mytnyk, Serhii; van Esch, Jan H et al. · Adv Mater · 2017

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The use of polymeric crosslinkers is an attractive method to modify the mechanical properties of supramolecular materials, but their effects on the self-assembly of the underlying supramolecular polymer networks are poorly understood. Modulation of the gelation pathway of a reaction-coupled low molecular weight hydrogelator is demonstrated using (bio)polymeric crosslinkers of disparate physicochemical identities, providing a handle for control over materials properties.