Hybrid biocomposites based on calcium phosphate mineralization of self-assembled supramolecular hydrogels

Mineralization of small-molecule-based supramolecular hydrogels with calcium phosphate produces hybrid composites comprising interconnecting networks of calcified nanofilaments (see figure). Viscoelastic hybrid gels that exhibit enhanced thermal stability, stiffness, and critical strain are formed at low mineral contents, whereas extensive mineralization generates hard macroporous replicas of the supramolecular matrix.