Redox-Active Dynamic Self-Supporting Thixotropic 3D-Printable G-Quadruplex Hydrogels.

Redox-active G-quadruplex hydrogels were prepared by dynamic boronate ester formation between ferroceneboronic acid and guanosine. Dynamic boronate esters imparted thixotropic and 3D-printability to the hydrogel. Initially, the ferrocene moiety was oxidised to produce a weaker ferrocenium-based green hydrogel. However, the less stable ferrocenium converted into more stable ferrocene to produce a hydrophobic, water-stable and robust hydrogel.