A Versatile Zwitterionic Gelation Strategy Triggered by Phenol-Modified Biomacromolecules: Facile Synthesis of
Zhiliang Han1, Wufei Ge2, Fangyi Guan3
1State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, P. R. China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|February 25, 2026
Summary
A new phenol-triggered gelation strategy uses modified biomacromolecules and zwitterionic monomers for biocompatible hydrogel interfaces. This universal method offers tunable properties for diverse biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Hydrogel interfaces are crucial for implantation and therapeutics.
- Conventional hydrogel modification faces toxicity and preparation challenges.
- Developing biocompatible and versatile hydrogel functionalization methods is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a universal, biocompatible gelation strategy for hydrogel interfaces.
- To enable facile functional diversification and application scope of hydrogels.
- To demonstrate tunable biological activities of hydrogel interfaces.
Main Methods:
- Phenol-triggered universal gelation using phenol-modified biomacromolecules and zwitterionic monomers.
- Branching of biomacromolecules to impart modular properties.
- Modulation of substrate composition and surface treatment for biological activity regulation.
Main Results:
- Achieved superior biocompatibility through the phenol-triggered strategy.
- Demonstrated universality across common biomass (polysaccharides, polypeptides) and phenols.
- Successfully regulated cell adhesion and antifouling properties of hydrogel interfaces.
Conclusions:
- The phenol-triggered gelation strategy offers a promising approach for biointerface design.
- This method provides an effective route for creating functional hydrogel interfaces with tunable properties.
- The strategy's universality and biocompatibility support diverse biomedical applications.
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