Modular Molecular Design and Assembly of Saccharide-Appended Cyclic Dipeptides for Glycosidase-Responsive Supramolecular Hydrogels

Glycosidase-responsive supramolecular hydrogels represent a promising class of soft materials for biomedical applications, as glycosidases play pivotal roles in various physiological processes and viral infections. In this study, saccharide-appended cyclic dipeptides are designed as modular building blocks for the construction of supramolecular hydrogel systems through aqueous self-assembly. Notably, β-galactosidase-responsive gel-to-sol and neuraminidase (sialidase)-responsive sol-to-gel transitions are achieved by employing cyclic dipeptides appended with galactose and N -acetylneuraminic acid, respectively, under appropriate formulations.