Supramolecular hydrogels based on biofunctional nanofibers of self-assembled small molecules

Abstract

This Feature Article summarizes the design and synthesis of supramolecular hydrogels based on nanofibers of self-assembled small bioactive molecules. The hydrogels show responses to molecular recognition and find applications in wound healing, toxin removal, and drug release. We also described our recent results of using an enzyme or enzymatic switch to trigger or regulate the self-assembly of small molecules for the generation of nanofibers and the subsequent hydrogelation. The results in this Feature Article clearly indicate that supramolecular hydrogels, as an expression of the self-assembly of molecules in water, promise a broad range of biomaterials and therapeutics.