Tailoring Alginate Hydrogels via Precoordinated Lanthanide Complexes as Dynamic Cross-Linkers
Journal
Biomacromolecules
Journal Volume
27
Journal Issue
6
Start Page
3594
End Page
3611
ISSN
15257797
Date Issued
2026-06-08
Author(s)
Abstract
Lanthanides are attractive ionic cross-linkers for connecting hydrophilic polymers to form luminescent hydrogels. However, lanthanide-complexed networks often lack mechanical robustness. Here, precoordinated lanthanide complexes are introduced as both luminophores and dynamic cross-linkers to fabricate mechanically stable alginate hydrogels. Three types of precoordinated lanthanide complexes featuring lanthanides of varying ionic sizes (i.e., terbium (Tb3+), europium (Eu3+), and samarium (Sm3+)) spontaneously cross-link alginate through electrostatic interactions to form Alg-Ln hydrogels. The Alg-Sm hydrogel exhibits a shorter gelation time, a denser network, and superior mechanical strength compared to Alg-Eu and Alg-Tb hydrogels. These results are attributed to the larger volume of the Sm complex, which increases the spacing between polymer chains and promotes the formation of more electrostatic cross-linking points. Additionally, the Alg-Eu hydrogel serves as a promising luminescent sensor for copper ions. Taken together, the use of precoordinated lanthanide complexes as cross-linking agents enables tailored customization of hydrogel structures and properties.
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Type
journal article