Strain-Promoted Cross-Linking of PEG-Based Hydrogels via Copper-Free Cycloaddition

Abstract

The synthesis of a 4-dibenzocyclooctynol (DIBO) functionalized poly­(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and fabrication of hydrogels via strain-promoted, metal-free, azide–alkyne cycloaddition is reported. The resulting hydrogel materials provide a versatile alternative to encapsulate cells that are sensitive to photochemical or chemical cross-linking mechanisms