Preorganized Hydrogel: Self‐Healing Properties of Supramolecular Hydrogels Formed by Polymerization of Host–Guest‐Monomers that Contain Cyclodextrins and Hydrophobic Guest Groups

Abstract

Supramolecular hydrogels formed by a host-guest interaction show self-healing properties. The cube-shaped hydrogels with β-cyclodextrin and adamantane guest molecules mend after being broken. The hydrogels sufficiently heal to form a single gel, and the initial strength is restored. Although contact between a freshly cut and uncut surface does not mend the gels, two freshly cut surfaces selectively mend.