Robust, self-healing hydrogels synthesised from catechol rich polymers

required to yield gels. UV-vis and Raman studies indicated the presence of mono-complex between Fe(iii) and catechol in the gels formed through coordinative crosslinking. Highly ductile hydrogels exhibiting excellent load bearing ability were obtained under these conditions. Electrostatic repulsions between the cationic polymer chains presumably prevented the gel to collapse upon the application of load. These gels were also completely self-healing due to the reversible nature of their coordinative interactions. Gels formed at higher pH are brittle and less resilient compared to those formed at lower pH. Ductility and self-healing ability of coordinative cross-linked gels are superior to those formed by oxidative crosslinking. We conclude that RA strategy offers rapid and easy access to catechol-rich systems, and retention of basic amine functionalities allows the preparation of robust bio inspired soft materials.