Synthesis and characterization of a novel double cross-linked hydrogel based on Diels-Alder click reaction and coordination bonding

•A double cross-linked network (DN) was designed and prepared by combining a Diels-Alder click reaction and coordination effects.•The obtained DN hydrogel has the advantages of controlled crosslinking density and self-healing.•The effects of the ratio of Fe3 +-catechol and pH on the hydrogels are explored in detail.

Hydrogels, promising biological materials, need to have both strong mechanical properties and also inherent self-healing properties. In this work a double cross-linked network (DN) hydrogel was designed and prepared by combining a Diels-Alder click reaction and coordination effects. This DN hydrogel had good thermodynamic properties, anti-EDTA performance and self-healing properties. In addition, the mechanical properties, swelling properties and surface morphology of DN hydrogels can be controlled by adjusting the ratio of Fe3 +-catechol. The adjustment of pH value can change the color, crosslinking mode and mechanical properties of the DN hydrogel. This smart hydrogel created from DA click chemistry and coordination effects has significance for guiding the design of new hydrogels with good mechanical properties, self-healing properties and controlled cross-link density.

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