Co-assembled C13-dipeptide hydrogels by Gallic Acid (CA) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) with antibacterial activity

The self-assembled peptide-based hydrogels have been widely utilized in foods . However, the self-assembled hydrogels still have some shortages such as low mechanical properties and hydrogel stabilities. Herein, we designed two co-assembled C 13 -WS hydrogels conjugated by Gallic Acid (CA) and Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG). The introduction of CA and EGCG into C 13 -WS hydrogels can significantly improve the mechanical properties and hydrogel stabilities. The storage modulus (G’) values of co-assembled C 13 -WS/CA and C 13 -WS/EGCG were 13.33 KPa and 16 KPa, respectively. From transmission electron microscope (TEM) results, CA and EGCG contributed to the rearrangement of C 13 -WS molecules during co-assembly. Moreover, the self-/co-assembled C 13 -WS hydrogels showed antimicrobial activity against E. coli , P. aeruginosa , and S. epidermidis . The introduction of CA and EGCG significantly enhanced the antibacterial activity of C 13 -WS hydrogels. Our findings provide a novel strategy for the development of stable supramolecular antibacterial short peptide hydrogels through co-assembly.