title: Synthesis of a Double-Network Supramolecular Hydrogel by Having One Network Catalyse the Formation of the Second.
abstract: Self-assembly of biomolecules catalytically controls the formation of natural supramolecular structures, giving highly ordered complex materials. Such desirable hybrid systems are very difficult to design and construct synthetically. A hybrid double-network hydrogel with a maximum storage modulus (G'max) of up to 55 kPa can be synthesized by using a self-assembled hydrogel that catalyses the formation of another kinetically arrested hydrogel network. Tuning of the catalytic efficiency of the first network allowed spatiotemporal control over the evolution of the second network and the resulting mechanical properties. The distribution of active catalytic sites was optimal for catalytic fibres prepared at the minimum gelation concentration (MGC) to give the double-network hydrogel with highest storage modulus. This approach could be very useful in preparing complex hierarchical structures with tailor-made properties.
authors.affiliation: Departament de Química Inorgànica i Orgànica, Universitat Jaume I, 12071, Castelló, Spain.
authors.forename: Nishant
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Advanced Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Chandan
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Maity
authors.affiliation: Advanced Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Kai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Departament de Química Inorgànica i Orgànica, Universitat Jaume I, 12071, Castelló, Spain.
authors.forename: César A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Angulo-Pachón
authors.affiliation: Advanced Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Jan H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: van Esch
authors.affiliation: Advanced Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ, Delft, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Rienk
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Eelkema
authors.affiliation: Departament de Química Inorgànica i Orgànica, Universitat Jaume I, 12071, Castelló, Spain.
authors.forename: Beatriu
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4350-3172
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Escuder
keywords: catalytic hydrogelators; double networks; fibers; self-assembly; supramolecular gels