Molecular recognition-mediated dynamic networks in hydrogel biomaterials

Abstract

Hydrogels have found extensive applications in the biomedical field, due to their outstanding biocompatibility and tunable physicochemical properties. However, conventional hydrogels often suffer from limited adaptability and inadequate dynamic responsiveness, which significantly hampers their performance in complex physiological environments. Compared with the non-specificity and high reactivity of reversible covalent interactions, molecular recognition relies on specific and spatially complementary noncovalent bonds, thus providing a reversible but powerful and versatile approach to constructing dynamic hydrogel networks. Dynamic hydrogels mediated by molecular recognition exhibit tunable mechanical strength, efficient self-healing capabilities, and precise stimulus-responsive behaviors, thereby expanding their potential in diverse biomedical applications. This review summarizes recent advances in molecular recognition-mediated dynamic hydrogels, covering systems based on purely chemical recognition as well as those derived from natural biological recognition elements. We further discuss their applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and biosensors, with particular emphasis on how molecular recognition regulates hydrogel dynamics and modulates cellular responses and tissue healing. The development of molecular recognition-mediated dynamic hydrogels will establish a systematic theoretical foundation and offer a versatile strategy for the next generation of dynamic biomaterials.