A new method for maintaining homogeneity during liquid–hydrogel transitions using low molecular weight hydrogelators
2009; Royal Society of Chemistry; Volume: 5; Issue: 9 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1039/b901556f
ISSN1744-6848
AutoresDave J. Adams, Michael F. Butler, William J. Frith, Mark A. Kirkland, Leanne Mullen, Paul N. Sanderson,
Tópico(s)Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications
ResumoWe demonstrate a generic new approach to produce homogeneous and reproducible hydrogels from low molecular weight hydrogelators using the controlled hydrolysis of glucono-δ-lactone (GdL). GdL slowly hydrolyses in water to give gluconic acid, which controllably lowers the pH. This hydrolysis is slower than the rate of dissolution; hence uniform pH change throughout the sample is possible. This results in homogeneous hydrogels that are unaffected by their shear or mixing history. A further advantage of this method is that it allows the gelation process to be monitored, giving further insight into the mechanism by which gelation occurs.
Referência(s)