Injectable and Cytocompatible Tough Double-Network Hydrogels through Tandem Supramolecular and Covalent Crosslinking

Double-network theory is extended to include guest-host interactions, enabling injectability and cytcompatibility of tough hydrogels. Noncovalent interactions are used as a sacrificial network to toughen covalently crosslinked hydrogels formed from hyaluronic acid. Shear thinning of supramolecular bonds allows hydrogel injection and rapid self-healing, while gentle reaction conditions permit cell encapsulation with high viability.