Polymerizable rotaxane of cucurbituril protecting dopamine based adhesive hydrogels

The catechol moiety found within mussel proteins plays a pivotal role in enhancing their adhesive properties. Nonetheless, catechol compounds, such as dopamine (DOP) derivatives, are susceptible to oxidation, leading to the formation of quinone. This oxidation process poses a significant challenge in the development of DOP-based hydrogels, hampering their adhesion capabilities and hindering polymerization. To protect DOP moieties from oxidation, DOP and N-(3-aminopropyl)methacrylamide (AMA) moieties were grafted onto the side groups of biocompatible poly(glutamic acid) (PGA). Subsequently, the DOP unit, serving as a second guest, would be captured by a polymerizable rotaxane of cucurbituril (CB[n]), in which the host molecule CB[8] complexed with the first guest, polymerizable methyl viologen (MV), forming a protective function and dynamic cross-linking. Upon exposure to light curing, a composite network emerged through the synergy of covalent cross-linking and supramolecular host-guest complexation of DOP with CB[8]. The generated complexation between DOP and CB[8] could protect the DOP moieties, resulting in photocured hydrogels with exceptional adhesive strength and remarkable tensile capabilities. Moreover, 3D printing technology was used to create various models with these DOP-based hydrogels, demonstrating their promising applications in future.