Preparation and Characterization of Acid Resistant Double Cross-Linked Hydrogel for Potential Biomedical Applications

A novel biocompatible polysaccharide-based hydrogel with double cross-linked network (DN) was designed and developed by combining dynamic imine bond and Diels–Alder (DA) click reaction. Our results showed that the dynamic covalent imine bond led to the hydrogel’s self-healing property, while the DA reaction gave the superior thermodynamic property and acid resistance to the hydrogel. At the same time, the double cross-linked structure improved the mechanical properties of hydrogels. Moreover, the DN hydrogel had good biocompatibility, as confirmed by three-dimensional cell encapsulation. On the basis of these excellent properties, the present prepared hydrogel holds great potential in the field of biomaterials.