Physical and Specific Crosslinking of Collagen Fibers by Supramolecular Nanogelators

Supramolecular nanogelators that possess triple-helices on their surfaces quickly form transparent hydrogels upon mixing with collagen solutions by hydrogen bonding. An exceptional selectivity in the gelation properties for fibrous collagens is observed, whereas other biomolecules exhibit no change. This material is useful as a smart injectable nanogelator with collagen specificity for tissue engineering.