Wavelength‐Orthogonal Stiffening of Hydrogel Networks with Visible Light

Abstract

Herein, we introduce the wavelength‐orthogonal crosslinking of hydrogel networks using two red‐shifted chromophores, i.e. acrylpyerene (AP, λ activation=410–490 nm) and styrylpyrido[2,3‐b]pyrazine (SPP, λ activation=400–550 nm), able to undergo [2+2] photocycloaddition in the visible‐light regime. The photoreactivity of the SPP moiety is pH‐dependent, whereby an acidic environment inhibits the cycloaddition. By employing a spiropyran‐based photoacid generator with suitable absorption wavelength, we are able to restrict the activation wavelength of the SPP moiety to the green light region (λ activation=520–550 nm), enabling wavelength‐orthogonal activation of the AP group. Our wavelength‐orthogonal photochemical system was successfully applied in the design of hydrogels whose stiffness can be tuned independently by either green or blue light.