Fig. 1: Mechano-controlled reversible biocatalysis for hydrogel regulation.
From: Shape morphing of hydrogels by harnessing enzyme enabled mechanoresponse
a Schematic illustration of the controllable biocatalytic system in the hydrogel matrix. The enzyme and its inhibitor were incorporated into the hydrogel network by covalent bonds, and the catalytic activity was activated by mechanical stretching of the hydrogel. b Schematic illustration of the mechanism of the regulation of the mechanical properties of hydrogel through controlled biocatalysis. A substrate that can be activated by thrombin to self-assemble into a second network is added to the hydrogel, resulting in the self-stiffening behavior of the polymer networks. Alternatively, a self-softening hydrogel can be obtained when a thrombin-cleavable crosslinker is introduced.
