Biomedical applications of supramolecular hydrogels with enhanced mechanical properties

Supramolecular hydrogels bound by hydrogen bonding, host-guest, hydrophobic, and other non-covalent interactions are among the most attractive biomaterials available. Supramolecular hydrogels have attracted extensive attention due to their inherent dynamic reversibility, self-healing, stimuli-response, excellent biocompatibility, and near-physiological environment. However, the inherent contradiction between non-covalent interactions and mechanical strength makes the practical application of supramolecular hydrogels a great challenge. This review describes the mechanical strength of hydrogels mediated by supramolecular interactions, and focuses on the potential strategies for enhancing the mechanical strength of supramolecular hydrogels and illustrates their applications in related fields, such as flexible electronic sensors, wound dressings, and three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds. Finally, the current problems and future research prospects of supramolecular hydrogels are discussed. This review is expected to provide insights that will motivate more advanced research on supramolecular hydrogels. [Display omitted] •There is an inherent contradiction between non-covalent interactions and mechanical properties of supramolecular hydrogels.•The potential factors influencing the mechanical strength of supramolecular hydrogels are introduced.•The applications of high strength supramolecular hydrogels in flexible electronic sensors, wound dressings, and three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds are reviewed.•The current problems and future research prospects of high strength supramolecular hydrogels are discussed.