Dihydroxybenzaldehyde Cross-linker

Tunable collagen hydrogel strength

This dihydroxybenzaldehyde (DHB) cross-linker enables customization of collagen hydrogel mechanics, thermal stability, and enzymatic resistance by selecting isomers and adjusting dosages, while maintaining biocompatibility.

Hao, Jiang · Sujie, Jiang · Mengxue, Han · Dai, Rui · Chen, Hui · Liu, Wentao

Polymer Degradation and Stability 2026

Advantages

Tunable mechanical strength

The mechanical strength of collagen hydrogels can be tuned over a wide range by selecting the DHB isomer or adjusting the dosage.

Enhanced thermal stability

DHB cross-linking introduces quinone-induced biphenyl structures and hydrogen bonding interactions, improving the thermal stability of collagen hydrogels.

Improved enzymatic resistance

The formation of a cross-linked network impedes enzymatic degradation of collagen, improving enzymatic resistance.

Applications

• Collagen-based biomaterials：Used as a cross-linker for collagen-based biomaterials to tune mechanical properties and degradation rate.
• Tissue engineering scaffolds：Fabricates tissue engineering scaffolds with tunable mechanics and good biocompatibility.
• Drug delivery carriers：Constructs enzyme-resistant drug delivery carriers for prolonged in vivo retention.