Tong, CiqingCiqingTongWondergem, Joeri A.J.Joeri A.J.WondergemKieltyka, Roxanne E.Roxanne E.Kieltyka2022-03-062022-03-062020https://publica.fraunhofer.de/handle/publica/26324210.1021/acsmacrolett.0c00175Photochemical ligation strategies in hydrogel materials are crucial to model spatiotemporal phenomena that occur in the natural extracellular matrix. We here describe the use of cyclic 1,2-dithiolanes to cross-link with norbornene on linear poly(ethylene glycol) polymers through UV irradiation in a rapid and byproduct-free manner, resulting in branched macromolecular architectures and hydrogel materials from low-viscosity precursor solutions. Oscillatory rheology and NMR data indicate the one-pot formation of thioether and disulfide cross-links. Spatial and temporal control of the hydrogel mechanical properties and functionality was demonstrated by oscillatory rheology and confocal microscopy. A cytocompatible response of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts was observed within these materials, providing a foothold for further exploration of this photoactive cross-linking moiety in the biomedical field.enDisulfidesnucleic acid structurehydrogelspolymersirradiation666journal article