Photo-adaptable shape memory hydrogels based on orthogonal supramolecular interactions

A novel shape memory hydrogel with photo-adaptable permanent shape has been developed on the basis of alginate-Ca2+ coordination and the host-guest interaction between alpha-cyclodextrin and azobenzene. The reversible nature of alginate-Ca2+ confers the hydrogel with functions such as shape memory and shape recovery, and the light-responsive transition of azobenzene could be applied to generate a new permanent shape by tuning the host-guest complexation via UV light.