Multi-stimuli-responsive supramolecular hydrogel based on an oxidized glutathione derivative

In this study, we report the formation of a multi-stimuli-responsive supramolecular hydrogel through the self-assembly of an oxidized glutathione derivative. The hydrogels were obtained in aqueous DMF solutions after a heating–cooling process. These hydrogels exhibited fibrous structures, which formed via the self-assembly of the hydrogelator driven by the combination of hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, and hydrophobic effect. Besides the thermo-sensitivity, the hydrogels showed redox- and light-responsiveness attributing to the presence of a disulfide bond and two azobenzene terminal groups, respectively, in the molecular structure of the hydrogelator. The multi-stimuli-responsiveness endows the hydrogels with the potential applications in the field of smart materials.