Dynamically restructuring hydrogel networks formed with reversible covalent crosslinks

A study was conducted to demonstrate the synthesis hydrogel networks that formed in the physiological pH range, using reversible covalent crosslinked gels. The crosslinked gels demonstrated a spectrum of pH-dependent viscoelastic behavior that can be controlled by the chemical composition of the polymer backbone. The reversible crosslinked gels also allowed the hydrogel networks,to restructure dynamically and self-heal after mechanical disruption. Phenylboronate-salicylhydroxamate gels were used as a new class of reversible crosslinked gels, enabling precise control over network viscoelasticity and pH responsiveness. Gel behavior was quantified by subjecting them to dynamic rheology, as a function of angular frequency. It was also observed that the rheological behavior of the new class of crosslinked gels was consistent with the time-dependent viscoelastic properties of dynamic hydrogel networks.