Thiol-Thioester Exchange Reactions in Precursors Enable pH-Triggered Hydrogel Formation.

Bio-interactive hydrogel formation requires sensory capabilities toward physiologically relevant stimuli. Here, we report on pH-controlled hydrogel formation relying on latent cross-linkers, which transform from pH sensors to reactive molecules. In particular, thiopeptolide/thio-depsipeptides were capable of pH-sensitive thiol-thioester exchange reactions to yield α,ω-dithiols, which react with maleimide-functionalized multi-arm polyethylene glycol to polymer networks. Their water solubility and diffusibility qualify thiol/thioester-containing peptide mimetics as sensory precursors to drive localized hydrogel formation with potential applications in tissue regeneration such as treatment of inflamed tissues of the urinary tract.