Chemoselective cross-linking of alginate with thiol-terminated peptides for tissue engineering applications

► We chemospecifically functionalized alginate with thiol-ended peptides. ► Thiol-reactive alginate intermediate with pyridyldithio-groups is first obtained. ► The degree of pyridyldithio-functionalization can be modified. ► Alginate-peptide conjugates are formed through thiol disulfide exchange. ► This strategy generates alginate-peptide hydrogels for tissue engineering.