Tough Polymeric Hydrogels Formed by Natural Glycyrrhetinic Acid-Tailored Host–Guest Macro-Cross-Linking toward Biocompatible Materials

Host–guest polymeric hydrogels often suffer from poor biocompatibility and weak mechanical strength owing to the low complexation degree between host and guest polymers. In contrast to reported works, here a biocompatible host–guest macro-cross-linker (HGMC) was synthesized beforehand by complexation of poly(β-cyclodextrin) with natural glycyrrhetinic acid-derivative functionalized with acrylates at two extremities. After cross-linking polyacrylamide, three polymeric hydrogels were obtained, the swelling ratios and micropore sizes of which could be adjusted effectively by HGMC content. Moreover, they exhibited robust anticompressing and elastic features. These biocompatible tough polymeric hydrogels hold promise for potential applications as biomaterials.