In one embodiment, a method includes making a pteredin phenyl pentanedioic (3P) formulation by providing an aqueous solution including one of more 3P molecules neutralized with one or more of an alkali, an alkali earth metal hydroxide, or an alkali carbonate adding to the aqueous solution one of a surfactant, dispersant, or additive with the guest molecules and non-covalently crosslinking the 3P formulation by exposing the 3P formulation to an excess solution of multivalent cation salt.
