Phenyl groups in supramolecular nanofibers confer hydrogels with high elasticity and rapid recovery

In this study, we report multi-component supramolecular hydrogels that exhibit exceptional high storage moduli and a rapid recovery of their original mechanical strength after removing external forces. The formation of such kind of supramolecular hydrogels is simple and versatile, and the components can be easily synthesized or commercially available in large quantities. The supramolecular hydrogels have been characterized by SEM and fluorescence spectrometry and the results obtained by both techniques correlate well with their mechanical properties. They have potential to be developed into useful materials that require high mechanical stiffness and possess rapid recovery properties, such as the injectable immobilization matrix for cells culture, drug release, enzyme encapsulation, etc.