Using cavitation rheology to understand dipeptide-based low molecular weight gels

Fuentes Caparros, A. M., Dietrich, B. , Thomson, L., Chauveau, C. and Adams, D. J. (2019) Using cavitation rheology to understand dipeptide-based low molecular weight gels. Soft Matter, 15(31), pp. 6340-6347. (doi: 10.1039/C9SM01023H) (PMID:31289805)

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Abstract

The study of dipeptide-based hydrogels has been the focus of significant effort recently due to their potential for use in a variety of biomedical and biotechnological applications. It is essential to study the mechanical properties in order to fully characterise and understand this type of soft materials. In terms of mechanical properties, the linear elastic modulus is normally measured using traditional shear rheometry. This technique requires millilitre sample volumes, which can be difficult when only small amounts of gel are available, and can present difficulties when loading the sample into the machine. Here, we describe the use of cavitation rheology, an easy and efficient technique, to characterise the linear elastic modulus of a range of hydrogels. Unlike traditional shear rheometry, this technique can be used on hydrogels in their native environment, and small sample volumes are required. We describe our set-up and show how it can be used to probe and understand different types of gels. Gels can be formed by different triggers from the same gelator and this leads to different microstructures. We show that the data from the cavitational rheometer correlates with the underlying microstructure in the gels, which allows a greater degree of understanding of the gels than can be obtained from the bulk measurements.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Dietrich, Bart and Thomson, Miss Lisa and Adams, Dave and Fuentes Caparros, Miss Ana Maria
Authors: Fuentes Caparros, A. M., Dietrich, B., Thomson, L., Chauveau, C., and Adams, D. J.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
Journal Name:Soft Matter
Publisher:Royal Society of Chemistry
ISSN:1744-683X
ISSN (Online):1744-6848
Published Online:24 June 2019
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2019 The Royal Society of Chemistry
First Published:First published in Soft Matter 15(31): 6340-6347
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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