Exceptionally strong hydrogels through self-assembly of an indole-capped dipeptide

The synthesis of a new hydrogelator with an indole capping group, 1, is reported. 1 forms exceptionally strong hydrogels in a variety of environments, with values for the storage modulus G′ amongst the highest reported for supramolecular hydrogels. These gels exhibit strong bundling characteristics, which gives the high values for G′ observed. Cell viability studies show that at low concentrations, 1 is biocompatible, however upon self-assembly at higher concentrations, cytotoxic effects are observed.