Effect of Hyaluronic Acid on the Self‐Assembly of a Dipeptide‐Based Supramolecular Gel

Abstract

AbstractThe combination of polymers and low molecular weight (LMW) compounds is a powerful approach to prepare new supramolecular materials. Here we prepare two‐component hydrogels made by a well‐known and biologically active polymer, hyaluronic acid (HA), and a dipeptide‐based supramolecular gelator. We undertake a detailed study of materials with different compositions including macroscopic (hydrogel formation, rheology) and micro/nanoscopic characterization (electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction). We observe that the two components mutually benefit in the new materials: a minimum amount of HA helps to reduce the polymorphism of the LMW network leading to reproducible hydrogels with improved mechanical properties; the LMW component network holds HA without the need for an irreversible covalent crosslinking. These materials have a great potential for biomedical application as, for instance, extracellular matrix mimetics for cell growth. As a proof of concept, we have observed that this material is effective for cell growth in suspension and avoids cell sedimentation even in the presence of competing cell‐adhesive surfaces. This may be of interest to advanced cell delivery techniques.