Preparation and Biomedical Applications of Cucurbit[n]uril-Based Supramolecular Hydrogels

Abstract

The cucurbit[n]uril supramolecular hydrogels are driven by weak intermolecular interactions, of which exhibit good stimuli responsiveness and excellent self-healing properties. According to the composition of the gelling factor, supramolecular hydrogels comprise Q[n]-cross-linked small molecules and Q[n]-cross-linked polymers. According to different driving forces, hydrogels are driven by the outer-surface interaction, the host–guest inclusion interaction, and the host–guest exclusion interaction. Host–guest interactions are widely used in the construction of self-healing hydrogels, which can spontaneously recover after being damaged, thereby prolonging their service life. The smart Q[n]s-based supramolecular hydrogel composed is a kind of adjustable and low-toxicity soft material. By designing the structure of the hydrogel or modifying the fluorescent properties, etc., it can be widely used in biomedicine. In this review, we mainly focus on the preparation of Q[n]-based hydrogels and their biomedical applications including cell encapsulation for biocatalysis, biosensors for high sensitivity, 3D printing for potential tissue engineering, drug release for sustained delivery, and interfacial adhesion for self-healing materials. In addition, we also presented the current challenges and prospects in this field.