Preorganized hydrogel: self-healing properties of supramolecular hydrogels formed by polymerization of host-guest-monomers that contain cyclodextrins and hydrophobic guest groups.

Supramolecular hydrogels formed by a host-guest interaction show self-healing properties. The cube-shaped hydrogels with β-cyclodextrin and adamantane guest molecules mend after being broken. The hydrogels sufficiently heal to form a single gel, and the initial strength is restored. Although contact between a freshly cut and uncut surface does not mend the gels, two freshly cut surfaces selectively mend.