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Abstract Bigels are interesting semisolid formulations with better properties for different applications such as cosmetics and pharmaceutical systems. Due to the mixing of two phases of different nature (polar and apolar), bigels possess some interesting features like ability to deliver hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, better spreadability and water washability, improved permeability of drugs, enhanced hydration of stratum corneum and ability to manipulate the drug release rate. The main objective of this review article is to provide a thorough insight into the important characteristics of bigels together with the discussion on modelling of bigel systems to relate their properties with individual constituents and different parameters. Moreover, some important applications of bigels are also discussed by considering some examples from the literature. Highlights • Bigel is an interesting system because of having useful properties of both of its individual phases, hydrogel and organogel. • The key characteristics of bigels are highly dependent on several parameters particularly the organogel/hydrogel ratio. • Different models can be used to relate the properties of bigels with several controlling parameters. • Bigels have found exciting applications in drug delivery and cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the molecular self‐assembly of commercial and pure‐saturated and pure‐unsaturated phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) in vegetable (VO) and mineral (MO) oils. The PtdCho self‐assembly was monitored through rheology, differential scanning calorimtery (DSC), and polarized light microscopy. The results showed that in the presence of just the constituent water, the PtdCho self‐assembly occurred through the formation of a "liquid structure" stabilized by electrostatic interactions. The DSC measurements did not evidence the development of the "liquid structure." However, the phase shift angle (δ) measured by rheology closely followed the PtdCho self‐assembly in both oils. The kinetics of the PtdCho self‐assembly and the crystal habit developed depended on the PtdCho solubility in the oil, the PtdCho purity, and the extent of unsaturation. Thus, the saturated PtdCho crystallized in the VO developing an organization of intertwined crystals that resulted in organogels with a true‐gel behavior (G′ of 12.2 × 105 to 16 × 105 Pa). In the MO, the saturated PtdCho crystallized in smaller microstructures developing organogels with higher G′, particularly with the commercial PtdCho (i.e., G′ of 32 × 105 Pa). With the unsaturated PtdCho, the presence of cis unsaturations favored the formation of inverted micelles in the VO and MO organogels. Thus, in contrast to the saturated PtdCho organogels, the unsaturated PtdCho organogels had lower G′ (30 × 102 to 45 × 102 Pa) with a gel‐like behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of storage time (90 days) at refrigerated (4 ± 2 °C) and room (30 ± 2 °C) temperatures on the quality of bleached rice bran wax organogels (BRXO) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions prepared using organogels (EO) were determined. BRXO was produced by mixing rice bran oil (RO) with bleached rice bran wax (BRX, 9% wax). EO (20% aqueous phase, 80% oil phase) was prepared with BRXO without adding an emulsifier. All quality attributes changed during storage at both temperatures. The colors of BRXO and EO were slightly changed, while those of RO and the emulsion without the addition of organogels (E) were notably changed. EO showed better stability than E. In assessing the various stages of oxidative stability, the peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were determined. The PV peaked at 30 days (E and EO) and 90 days (RO and BRXO) and later declined. TBARS values decreased with a decrease in the storage temperature and time. There were no significant changes in the firmness, hardness or stickiness of BRXO and EO at 30 °C during storage (p < 0.05). The polymorphisms of RO appeared to be small, dispersed, plate-like crystals. The BRXO crystal morphology was needle-like and fibrous. All stored samples at both temperatures showed similar morphologies. Regarding EO, the water droplets were dispersed and trapped in the crystal network. Based on the quality parameter results, the bleached rice bran wax can produce stable structured BRXO and W/O emulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the general global rise of attention and research to seek greener attitudes, the field of cultural heritage (CH) makes no exception. In the last decades, an increasing number of sustainable and biologically based solutions have been proposed for the protection and care of artworks. Additionally, the safety of the target artwork and the operator must be kept as core goals. Within this scenario, new products and treatments should be explored and implemented in the common conservation praxes. Therefore, this review addressing metal heritage is aimed to report biologically derived gel formulations already proposed for this specific area as reliable tools for cleaning. Promising bio-gel-based protocols, still to be implemented in metal conservation, are also presented to promote their investigation by stakeholders in metal conservation. After an opening overview on the common practices for cleaning metallic surfaces in CH, the focus will be moved onto the potentialities of gel-alternatives and in particular of ones with a biological origin. In more detail, we displayed water-gels (i.e., hydrogels) and solvent-gels (i.e., organogels) together with particular attention to bio-solvents. The discussion is closed in light of the state-of-the-art and future perspectives.

[Display omitted] • One of the first bibliometric analysis about the use of oleogels, hydrogels and hybrid gels in chocolate, compounds and spreads. • Oleogels and hydrogels can reduce saturated fat content in chocolates, compounds and spreads. • There are gaps in legislation aspects, limiting the application of oleogels and hydrogels in the chocolate industry. • Replacing saturated fat up to 50% with oleogels and hydrogels is sensorially attractive. This study is a bibliometric analysis and literature review on the use of oleogels (OGs), hydrogels (HGs) and hybrid gels (HYGs) in chocolate, compounds and spreads with the aim of reducing the saturated fat in these products. The articles were selected by analyzing titles, keywords and abstracts in the Web of Science (WoS), Scopus and Google Scholar databases. Supplementary documents were obtained from government sources, including patent registrations. The theoretical and practical aspects were critically analyzed, highlighting the main points of agreement and disagreement between the authors. The results revealed a lack of regulations and official guidelines that widely allow the use of OGs, HGs and HYGs in chocolate confectionery products. The type and characteristics of raw materials affect the properties of products. Replacing cocoa butter (CB) with OGs, HGs or HYGs also affects texture, melting point and behavior, and nutritional aspects. These substitutions can result in products with better sensory acceptance and health benefits, such as reducing saturated fat and promoting cardiovascular health. However, it is important to find the ideal combination and proportions of components to obtain the desired properties in the final products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of compounds with excellent controllable weak forces is of great significance to solve current industrial problems. Herein, three natural rosin-based sulfonamide compounds (i.e., dehydroabietyl-based benzene sulfonamide (DBS-1); dehydroabietyl-based benzyl sulfonamide (DBS-2), and dehydrofiranic acid-based p-toluene sulfonamide (DBS-3)) were designed and synthesized by regulating the conjugation of sulfamide, carbonamide, and benzene. Organogels with rod-like, spherical, and layered morphologies were formed by π–π stacking and one-dimensional hydrogen bonding in the absence of an external driving force. Rheological studies emphasized the mechanical strength of these organogels, and gel three-dimensional networks at the nano- and micron-scales can effectively capture six volatile organic solvents. Notably, the presence of conjugation can effectively regulate the dynamic and static equilibrium of organogels to construct stable supermolecular assemblies. DBS-1, which contained abundant conjugated structures and weak intermolecular forces, exhibited amazing anti-settling ability in synthetic oil-based drilling fluids, with a static sedimentation factor of 0.512. Thus, industrial problems such as barite settlement can be solved by using DBS-1 as an additive agent. This report provides inspiration for the effective design of natural anti-settling agents. [Display omitted] • Hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking and conjugation effects were devised. • First study of rosin-based sulfonamide compounds as gelling agents. • Number and pattern of aggregation of dimer crystals determined gel morphology. • Provided insight into the design of natural anti-sinking agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organogel (OG) is a class of semi-solid gel, entrapping organic solvent within a three-dimensional network, which is formed via the self-assembly of organogelators. In the present study, OG was produced by glycerol monolaurate (GML) as organogelator. The influence of hydrocolloids with different surface charges (chitosan (CS), konjac glucomannan (KGM) and sodium alginate (SA)) on the physiochemical properties of OG was investigated. Rheological studies demonstrated that OG and pure hydrocolloid solution showed shear-thinning behavior. After incorporation of the hydrocolloid, the initial viscosity of OG was lowered from ~100 Pa·s to −1, which subsequently decreased with a higher shear rate. OGs in the presence of hydrocolloids still kept the thermo-sensitivity, while the melting point of the OG decreased with the incorporation of hydrocolloids. Hydrocolloid addition greatly shortened the gelling time of the OG from 21 min to less than 2 min. The presence of hydrocolloids increased the particle size of oil droplets in the molten OG. Some aggregation and coalescence of oil droplets occurred in the presence of positive-charged CS and negative-charged SA, respectively. After gelling, the gel structure converted into a biphasic-like network. Hydrocolloids improved the hardness, stickiness and the oil-holding stability of OGs by 18.8~33.9%. Overall, hydrocolloid incorporation could modulate the properties of OGs through their different surface charge properties. These novel OGs have potential as nutrient carriers or low-fat margarine alternatives and avoid the trans-fatty acid intake.

New Candida antarctica lipase B derivatives with higher activity than the free enzyme were obtained by occlusion in an organogel of an ionic liquid (ionogel) based on the ionic liquid [Omim][PF6] and polyvinyl chloride. The inclusion of glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker improved the properties of the ionogel, allowing the enzymatic derivative to reach 5-fold higher activity than the free enzyme and also allowing it to be reused at 70 °C. The new methodology allows enzymatic derivatives to be designed by changing the ionic liquid, thus providing a suitable microenvironment for the enzyme. The ionic liquid may act on substrates to increase their local concentration, while reducing water activity in the enzyme’s microenvironment. All this allows the activity and selectivity of the enzyme to be improved and greener processes to be developed. The chemical composition and morphology of the ionogel were also studied by scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, finding that porosity, which was related with the chemical composition, was a key factor for the enzyme activity.

Organogels represent semi-solid systems where an organic liquid phase is entrapped within a three-dimensional network formed by self-assembled, crosslinked, or entangled gelator fibers. These versatile materials find applications in a wide range of fields, including chemistry, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biotechnology, and food technology. Notably, in pharmacology, they serve as valuable platforms for drug and vaccine delivery, facilitating the transport of active ingredients through various routes such as transdermal, oral, and parenteral. However, their previous utility as drug delivery systems was hindered by the toxicity associated with the organic solvents used. The pharmacokinetics of medications delivered via organogels are primarily influenced by the distinctive properties of these materials, specifically their "high permeability and poor aqueous solubility," which can impact the bioavailability of the drugs. Organogels can be employed topically or for the controlled release of medications through cutaneous administration and percutaneous absorption, expanding their scope of application beyond conventional drug delivery methods. Organogels hold significant promise as drug delivery vehicles due to their biocompatibility, non-irritating properties, and thermoremanent characteristics. They enable the formulation of diverse drug delivery systems by incorporating both hydrophilic and hydrophobic bioactive compounds within the gel matrix. This comprehensive review offers an overview of organogels, encompassing their nature, synthesis, characterization, and properties. Special attention is directed towards cutting-edge technologies employed in designing organogels as potential controlled delivery systems, with a focus on their emerging therapeutic applications., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Aim: To develop and characterize the topical insulin-loaded organogel formulation for the management of diabetic wounds., Objectives: To formulate and evaluate organogel of insulin that can serve as a topical administration for promoting enhanced wound healing in diabetic patients by providing sustained and localized delivery of drug to the wound site., Methodology: The insulin organogel formulated by the micro-emulsion method involves mixing the "aqueous and oil phases" at high shear. Physical and chemical properties, as well as an in vitro study with a Franz diffusion chamber, were used to evaluate the prepared organogel., Results: All formulations proved to be off-white, homogeneous, washable, and had a pH between 6 and 6.5; moreover, they were non-irritating and skin-compatible. Formulations F1-F6 had viscosity ranging from 2058 to 3168 cps, spreadability ranges of 0.35 to 0.52 g*cm/s, and gel transition ranges of 28.33 to 35.33 °C. In formulations F1-F3, the concentration of lecithin was gradually increased, and in formulations F4-F6, the concentration of PF-127 was increased, resulting in a decrease in gel transition temperature, an increase in viscosity, and a gradual change in spreadability. The higher-viscosity formulations were much more stable and had better drug release. All formulations were fitted to a kinetic model belonging to first-order kinetics. However, after examining the parameter evaluation, it was found that the formulations F2 and F6 were better suited to the kinetic model and were consistent with the first-order and Higuchi models in Korsmeyer-Peppas F2 (r2 = 0.9544 and n = 1.0412); F6 (r2 = 0.9019 and n = 1.0822), which was a confirmation of the sustainability of the release system with matrix diffusion and drug delivery mechanisms that were based on the Super-Case II transport., Conclusion: Further research and clinical trials are needed to validate its efficacy, optimize the formulation, and establish its long-term safety. Topical insulin organogel has the potential to revolutionize diabetic wound management by improving healing outcomes, reducing complications, and raising the standard of living for those who have diabetes., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Topical drug delivery holds immense significance in dermatological treatments due to its non-invasive nature and direct application to the target site. Organogels, a promising class of topical drug delivery systems, have acquired substantial attention for enhancing drug delivery efficiency. This review article aims to explore the advantages of organogels, including enhanced drug solubility, controlled release, improved skin penetration, non-greasy formulations, and ease of application. The mechanism of organogel permeation into the skin is discussed, along with formulation strategies, which encompass the selection of gelling agents, cogelling agents, and additives while considering the influence of temperature and pH on gel formation. Various types of organogelators and organogels and their properties, such as viscoelasticity, non-birefringence, thermal stability, and optical clarity, are presented. Moreover, the biomedical applications of organogels in targeting skin cancer, anti-inflammatory drug delivery, and antifungal drug delivery are discussed. Characterization parameters, biocompatibility, safety considerations, and future directions in optimizing skin permeation, ensuring long-term stability, addressing regulatory challenges, and exploring potential combination therapies are thoroughly examined. Overall, this review highlights the immense potential of organogels in redefining topical drug delivery and their significant impact on the field of dermatological treatments, thus paving the way for exciting prospects in the domain., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Graphical abstract Abstract Self-assembled organogelators were explored as artificial stratum corneum (SC) models for the in vitro skin permeation assessment. Four SC models consisting of binary (organogels) or ternary (microemulsion-based organogels) mixtures were developed using stearic acid, tristearin, or sorbitan tristearate, at two different concentrations, gelled in squalene. The permeation of lipophilic butyl-methoxydibenzoylmethane and hydrophilic methylene blue as the permeant compounds across the SC models was compared with ex vivo experiments using excised porcine ear skin. A multi-analytical approach was adopted to provide detailed understanding about organogelator organization within the SC models and find possible parameters playing key-roles in SC permeation prediction. The SC models were investigated for gelling properties and microstructure. Parameters such as gel occurrence, organogelator concentration, and rheological properties appeared as negligible conditions for skin permeation prediction. Conversely, arrangement packing, interactions, and crystallinity extent of the self-assembled organogelator were found to play a fundamental role in the simulation of SC barrier function according to the permeant feature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The aim of this study was to synthesize a novel drug delivery system using organogels (ORGs) and characterize its physicochemical properties, in vitro and ex vivo permeation abilities, cytotoxicity and in vivo local anesthetic effects. The ORG formulations contained a mixture of oleic acid-lanolin (OA-LAN), poloxamer (PL407), and the commonly used local anesthetic lidocaine (LDC). The main focus was to evaluate the impact of LAN and PL407 concentrations on the ORG structural features and their biopharmaceutical performance. Results revealed that LDC, OA, and LAN incorporation separately shifted the systems transitions phase temperatures and modified the elastic/viscous moduli relationships (G′/G″ = ~15×). Additionally, the formulation with the highest concentrations of LAN and PL407 reduced the LDC flux from ~17 to 12 μg·cm−2·h−1 and the permeability coefficients from 1.2 to 0.62 cm·h−1 through ex vivo skin. In vivo pharmacological evaluation showed that the ORG-based drug delivery system presented low cytotoxicity, increased and prolonged the local anesthetic effects compared to commercial alternatives. The data from this study indicate that ORG represent a promising new approach to effectively enhance the topical administration of local anesthetics. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Novel polycatenars bearing a central bisphenyl sulfonyl moiety connected to the triazole dendrons at both ends through amide or ester linkages were synthesized via click chemistry. In their bulk states, only one ester compound with the longest alkyl chains can self-assemble into p6mm columnar phase, all the other compounds are nonmesogens. These polycatenars can form organogels with much more ordered morphologies in polar solvents than in apolar or less polar solvents. In DMF solvent, gels with spherical flower-like morphologies are formed by ester compounds, while gels with nanosheet morphologies are formed by amide compounds. The amide polycatenars can also act as chemosensors for detecting metal ions with high selectivity. The results showed that both the polarities of the linkages and the polarities of the solvents dramatically influenced the creation of supramolecular nanostructures. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Bisphenyl sulfonyl polycatenars with different polar linkages were synthesized via click chemistry. • Ester compound IC 3 / 16 self-assembles into Col hex. • IC 3 / 16 forms gel with spherical morphologies while amide compound IA 3 / 16 forms gel with nanosheet morphologies in DMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amphiphilic probe bearing a pyrene fluorophore and a hydrophobic cetyl chain has been synthesized by click reaction. The fluorescence recognition properties of the probe toward Hg 2+ in DMF solution, in aqueous solution and in gel state were detailedly investigated. In DMF solution, the soluble probe shows a pyrene-based monomer emission, and binds with Hg 2+ in a 1:1 stoichiometry with the fluorescence a turn-off response. The probe can self assemble nonoaggregates with showing both pyrene-based monomer and excimer emissions in aqueous solution. The formed nonoaggregates can be enhanced upon binding with Hg 2+ , which leads the monomer emission largely quenching, but the excimer emission a little change. It also found that the probe in aqueous solution shows more sensitive toward Hg 2+ than that in DMF solution. Furthermore, the probe can form fluorescent organic gels in some organic solvents, and the gels were collapsed with only addition of Hg 2+ . For biological application, the probe was successfully used for fluorescence imaging of intracellular Hg 2+ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationally designed two‐component supramolecular organogels based on multiple chemical interactions between percarboxylato‐ and peramino‐pillararenes are described. Mixing low concentration solutions (<1 % w/v) of decacarboxylato‐pillar[5]arene (1) with decaamino‐pillar[5]arenes (2 b–d) affords, rapidly and without heating, organogels displaying an exceptional combination of properties. These supramolecular organogels, the characteristics of which are tunable, were found to be thixotropic and thermally stable, with Tgel values in some cases exceeding the boiling point of the embedded solvent. It is demonstrated that both structural complementarity and multivalency are important determinants in the gelation process of these attractive soft materials. Talkin′ ′bout my gelation: A rational design of a new family of supramolecular organogels based on percarboxylato‐ and perdialkylamino‐pillararenes is presented. These low minimal gelation concentration organogels—obtained with no heating—are thixotropic and thermally stable, with Tgel in cases exceeding the boiling point of the solvent. Structural complementarity and multivalency are shown to be key determinants of their gelation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Designing intramolecular charge‐transfer (ICT)‐based luminogenic ordered assemblies exhibiting significant electrical transport is a challenging task in the field of organic optoelectronics. In this context, a series of novel phenothiazine‐based oligo(p‐phenylenevinylene) (OPV1‐6) derivatives were designed and their structure–property relationship was investigated. Upon examining their photophysical properties, all the OPVs were found to exhibit significant intramolecular charge‐transfer characteristics in organic solvents. While inspecting the self‐assembly behaviour, the OPV with a long alkyl chain on the central phenyl core (OPV4) underwent gelation in organic solvent mixtures through strong hydrophobic interactions of the long hexadecyl chains and π‐interactions from their aromatic counterparts. Computational studies revealed a lamellar packing of molecules in the assembly. Interestingly, the degree of ICT and the gelation abilities of OPVs were significantly influenced by the electronic nature of the substituents appended to the peripheral phenothiazines. Further, the AC impedance results revealed an increase in storage and electronic transport for the fluorescent thin films prepared by an increase in the content of OPV4 in PMMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the role of solvent characteristics on the rheological and physicochemical properties of organogels was investigated using different techniques. Vegetable oils, such as rice, sunflower and castor oil were used as solvents, for producing organogels with monoglycerides of fatty acids or a mixture of fatty alcohols (policosanol) as gelators. Moreover, two non-edible oils (silicon and paraffin oil) were also used for analysing the properties of solvents completely different in nature with respect to the edible ones, for a better interpretation of the given results. Organogels were investigated from a rheological point of view and through a microscopic analysis, given by polarised light (POM) and atomic force (AFM) microscopy, and X-rays to study the crystallinity of the system. The IR technique was used to analyse the intermolecular interactions, resulting in interesting information about the effect of oil polarity on the driving forces promoting structuration. This investigation showed that when solvents of a similar chemical nature are used, their physical properties, mainly oil polarity, are strictly related to the properties of the organogel, such as the onset of crystallisation temperature, the stiffness of the final material and its crystallinity. Anyway, these physical parameters seem insufficient to describe properly the role of solvents when oils of a different chemical nature are compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A photoresponsive organogel surface (POS), which integrates characteristics of the photothermal property of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and the low hysteresis feature of lubricant‐infused organogels, is shown. A photothermally induced dynamic temperature gradient can be formed rapidly at the location of near‐infrared‐light irradiation (NIR) on POS with suitable Fe3O4 nanoparticles content. Thus, various droplets (e.g., water, glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and ethanol) can be transported effectively and nimbly (e.g., along desired trajectories with controllable velocity and direction, even run uphill and deliver solid particles). This work reveals a synergistic effect between the asymmetrical droplet deformation and the inside Marangoni flows, which forms a unique driving force for droplet transport with high efficiency. This finding offers insight into the design of novel responsive interface materials for droplet transportation, which would be significant for laboratory‐on‐a‐chip contexts, mass transportation, and microengines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermogels, used as multi-functional drug-loading materials, have properties that mainly rely on their gelator structure. Although a large variety of organogel systems are used as drug delivery carriers, relatively few have been investigated in terms of their structure-property correlations based on amino acid derivative gelators. Here, a series of amino acid based gelators were synthesized to explore the role of the gelator structure on functional properties, with the aim of establishing a connection between the molecular parameters and gel properties. By varying the three substitutions of the gelator backbone, it was found that a comprehensive interaction, consisting of hydrophobic forces, H-bonding interactions, conformational flexibility and steric repulsion, play a crucial role in determining the gelation properties. Hansen solubility parameters were employed to explore the solvent effect on the network forming and gel properties. From an analysis of the morphologies obtained from polarized optical microscope (POM), atomic force microscopic images (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the gelator structure was found to have an impact on the self-assembly. According to the X-ray diffraction (XRD), the possible conformations adopted by the gelators were revealed through molecular modelling. The ability to form intermolecular H-bonding is vital in molecular packing and, thus, gelation. A structure-property relationship was developed and proposed to provide a theoretical basis for controllable drug delivery implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A binary supramolecular system where self-sorting and coassembly behavior can be switched by changing the solvent polarity is hereby reported. Glutamic dendron is separately conjugated with pyrene and naphthalimide luminophores through an alkyl spacer. The resulting structurally similar building units can self-assemble into one-dimensional micro/nanostructures with hexagonal and lamellar packing, respectively. Varying solvents from polar aqueous solution to nonpolar decane is evidenced to profoundly inverse the superchirality and switch self-sorted assembly to coassembly of the two building blocks. The moisture sensitivity of the naphthalimide moiety is considered the primary driving force for the self-sorting phenomenon in aqueous solution, resulting in inevitable hydration to repel its stacking with hydrophobic pyrene moiety. On the other hand, the naphthalimide unit can integrate segmentally with the pyrene unit in decane, greatly facilitating the nanofiber growth and supramolecular gel formation along with improved energy transfer efficiency between luminophores. As a result, the coassembly-based thin films show efficient luminescent color conversion upon the UV light irradiation. This research presents a useful route for the fabrication of controllable solution-processed light emitting devices from self-assembled multicomponent systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel Janus polycatenar JP - I bearing a bisphenylsulfone central core, with a hydrophobic 3,4,5-tridodecyloxybenzylether unit at one side and a hydrophilic trioligoethylene oxide benzyl triazoly unit at another side has been synthesized via copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. JP - I can display SmA 2 phase triggered by the addition of alkali metal ions. The LC property of the doped system was well demonstrated by polarized optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments. The conductivity of the doped system ( JP - I : LiOTf ) is 4.0 × 10 −8  S cm −1 . JP - I could gel both in ethanol and aqueous ethanol. Such gel which formed in ethanol showed a helical nanostructure. The XRD displayed that the JP - I could self-assemble into a monolayer structure which had a small tilt angle in the layers. Furthermore, the gel system could be established to remove iodine from water. Additionally, JP - I could recognize Fe 3+ with lower detection limit in aqueous ethanol. Finally, JP - I could self-assemble into micelles in aqueous solution and the critical micelle concentration CMC was determined to be 0.002 mg/ mL with the diameter of the spherical micelles about 15–20 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solvents, accounting the majority of the organogel system, have a tremendous impact on the characteristics of gels. To date, there is a large variety of organogel systems; relatively few have been investigated in the field of structure-solvent correlation. Here, a series of solvent parameters were applied to explore the role of solvent effect on network forming and gel property, intending to build the connection between the precise solvent parameter and gel property. Among the solvent parameters, Kamlet-Taft Parameters and Hansen solubility parameters can distinguish specific types of intermolecular interactions, which could correlate solvent parameter with the gel property. From an analysis of the morphologies obtained from POM and SEM, the gelator structure has an impact on its self-assembly. For possible conformations, the gelators were investigated through XRD. The investigation of solvent-property relationship will provide a theoretical basis for controllable drug delivery implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although mostly known for their gelling ability in water, proteins can also be used to structure oil into so-called oleogels. To create these oleogels, protein aggregates (d ∼190 nm) were formed by heat treatment in an aqueous environment and then suspended in oil using a solvent exchange procedure. To control the interactions between colloidal protein aggregates in oil, the effect of the addition of a small amount of water and the application of a heat treatment were investigated. Addition of water was shown to induce clustering of the protein aggregates. The effect of increased particle clustering was observed up to water addition in the amount of 0.5 g water/g protein, above which free water droplets were formed. As a result of water addition, G′ increased dramatically by up to three orders of magnitude. Besides an increase in G′, also an increase in critical strain and yield stress was observed. Moreover, the gels became responsive to temperature when water was added. G’ increased even further upon heating, and regained gel strength upon cooling due to enhanced particle-particle interactions. We propose that these interactions are most likely due to the formation of capillary bridges between the protein aggregates. Addition of water and subsequent heat treatment are thus effective ways to increase the interactions between protein aggregates. This simple approach forms an interesting route to tune the rheological properties of protein oleogels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Bigels, combination of organogel and hydrogel, are unique solid-like formulations with improved properties for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications. Bigel possesses merits of both phases, aqueous and oily, and displays better properties than either of the single gel. The uniqueness of bigels comes from their ability to deliver both hydrophilic and lipophilic active agents, enrichment of hydration of stratum corneum, easily spreadable, and so on. The main objective of this review article is to provide a thorough insight into the classification of bigels on the basis of synthesis method and morphology and also to demonstrate the detailed analysis of bigel formulations by considering different characterization techniques. Moreover, a special focus is given on the applications of bigels as drug delivery vehicles by transdermal route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gelation ability of a series of partially fluorinated N -benzoyl- N′ -aryl thiourea derivatives (BTUs) newly designed and synthesized was examined in six different alcohols (ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-octanol and 1-decanol). After a general assessment through the test-tube inversion method and polarizing optical light microscopy, the viscoelasticity of two different types of decanol-BTU systems ( 1a and 1b ) was investigated via dynamic rheology in the 15–70 °C temperature range and 0.25–100 Hz frequency domain. A complex different behavior was evidenced for each of these mixtures, mainly due to the completely different morphologies resulted during gel formation and clearly illustrated trough scanning electron microscopy (SEM), even though the structural difference between the two BTUs 1a and 1b is minor (longer alkyl chain for latter). To explain how the gelator molecules 1a and 1b self-assembly to gellify the decanol, a structural mechanism has been proposed relied on their rheological behavior, on one hand, and the findings revealed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarizing optical light microscopy (POM), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR - ATR), powder X-ray scattering (XRD) and SEM, on the other hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controversial issues regarding the role of trans fatty acids in food have led to progressive changes in the legislation of several countries to include more information for consumers. In response, the industries decided to gradually replace trans fat in various products with the development of fatty bases of equivalent functionality and economic viability to partially hydrogenated fats, causing, however, a substantial increase in the content of saturated fatty acids in foods. Today, the lipid science aims to define alternatives to a problem that is widely discussed by health organizations worldwide: limit the saturated fat content in food available to the population. In this context, organogels have been indicated as a viable alternative to obtain semi-solid fats with reduced content of saturated fatty acids and compatible properties for food application. The objective of this review was to present the studies that address the lipid organogels as an alternative for food application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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• A series noval chalcone derivatives (G b1–6) as gel factors were successfully synthesized. • The gels can be used for the stimulation response of hydrazine hydrate. • The gels can be used to identify fuel adulteration. • The gels can be used to recovery of spilled oil from oil-water mixtures. A series of novel naphthalene-chalcone gelators, G b1–6 , with different alkyl units, were designed and synthesized as potential low molecular weight gelators. The prepared gelators demonstrated gelation behavior in various organic solvents and fuel phases. The results indicated that the alkyl chains played a significant role in the gelation behavior of the gelators. The thermal stability results revealed that, at the same concentration, an increase in the length of the alkyl chains of the gelators led to an increase in the gel-sol transition temperature. The gelators were subjected to FT-IR, SEM, and XRD analysis, which demonstrated the presence of π-π stacking, van der Waals forces, and hydrogen bonding during the self-assembly process of the gel. UV–visible absorption and emission spectroscopy of the gelators were also studied, and it was discovered that gelators G b2 and G b5 exhibited a minimum detection limit of 0.28 μM and 0.16 μM, respectively, for hydrazine hydrate. Additionally, the gel was utilized for the recovery of oil from oil-water mixtures and for the identification of fuel adulteration. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A smart low-molecular-mass naphthalene-pyrazoline gelator has been designed and synthesized. • The organic gelator G can form a stable organic gel in tert -butanol, cyclohexane, cyclohexanol and DMSO. • The organic gelator G has selectivity and sensitivity to Cu2+ in aqueous solutions and organic gels. • The organic gelator G shows low toxicity in living cells. A smart low-molecular-mass organic gelator based on naphthalene-pyrazoline has been designed and synthesized. The gelator G can form a thermo reversible stable gel in tert -butanol, cyclohexane, cyclohexanol, and DMSO through self-assembly, it emits blue and yellow-green fluorescence under ultraviolet radiation. Notably, it has multiple stimulus responses of light, heat, shock and ion. In addition, it could act as an efficient fluorescent probe for the selective sensing of Cu2+ in the solution containing water. The detection limit of Cu2+ in THF deionized aqueous solution (V:V = 9:1) is 5.65 × 10−8 M. The complex ratio of G to Cu2+ is 1:1. In addition, the G has good biocompatibility in living cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solvent–gelator interactions play a key role in mediating organogel formation and ultimately determine the physico-chemical properties of the organogels and xerogels. The ethanol organogels of 1,4-bis[(3,4,5-trihexyloxy phenyl)hydrazide]phenylene (TC6) were investigated in situ by FT-IR, Raman and fluorescence spectra, and XRD, and it was confirmed that the intermolecular interaction and aggregation structure of TC6 ethanol organogels were quite different from those of xerogels. Simultaneously, unprecedented phase transition from organogel to suspension upon heating was observed in ethanol organogel, and the suspension phase exhibited lytropic liquid crystalline behaviour with a rectangular columnar structure. This study may open the possibility to design new gelators with a new dimension of versatility.

The synthesis and self-assembly of two new phenylacetylene macrocycle (PAM) organogelators were performed. Polar 2-hydroxyethoxy side chains were incorporated in the inner part of the macrocycles to modify the assembly mode in the gel state. With this modification, it was possible to increase the reactivity of the macrocycles in the xerogel state to form polydiacetylenes (PDAs), leading to a significant enhancement of the polymerization yields. The organogels and the PDAs were characterized using Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Four cyanostyryl-substituted carbazole derivatives (CN-ODEC1, CN-ODEC2, CN-DDEC1, and CN-DDEC) were synthesized and their self-assembly properties have been studied. It was found that they could form organogels especially in aromatic solvents. Scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy images show that the xerogels formed from monosubstituted derivatives (CN-O/DDEC1) gave well-organized tapes, and those from disubstituted derivatives (CN-O/DDEC2) exhibited heavy entangled three-dimensional structures. The UV–vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectra, as well as X-ray diffraction patterns, suggest that carbazole derivatives underwent J-type π-stacking. Meanwhile, we suggested that strong H-bonding and moderate π–π interactions were the key driving force for the gelation of the monosubstituted derivatives, and head-to-tail “ladder-type” J-aggregates were formed in the gel state. On the other hand, strong π–π interaction might be considered as the main driving force for the gelation of disubstituted derivatives, and J-aggregates with no well-organized packing mode of molecules were obtained in the gel phase. It should be noticed that aggregation-induced emission was observed during the gelation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Supramolecular gels find applications in various fields. Usually, a specific gelator is useful only for a specific application. This one‐gelator‐one‐application format is one factor that limits the usefulness of supramolecular gels. We report the synthesis of a library of gelators from a common core by using a click‐chemistry approach. Thus, the click reaction of β‐azido‐4,6‐O‐benzylidene–galactopyranoside (1) with various alkynes gave 11 different gelators having varying gelation abilities. Whereas gelators having alkyl‐chain substituents congealed alkanes and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), the gelators having aromatic substituents congealed aromatic solvents. We exploited this difference in gelling behavior in the templated synthesis of silica rods and porous plastics. The styrene gel of gelator 2 j was polymerized, and the gelator was removed by washing to obtain porous polystyrene. The TEOS gel of gelator 2 b was polymerized to silica, and the gelator template was removed by calcination to give microstructured silica rods. We also developed fluorescent gelator 2 f by this method, which might find applications by virtue of its fluorescence in the assembled state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Series of novel triazole polycatenar bent-shaped molecules comprising a carbonyl central core with two 1,2,3-triazole dendritic wings have been firstly synthesized via the copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. The effect of variation of the number and length of the terminal alkyl chains as well as the dendritic generation, linkage group on their properties have been investigated by polarizing optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and photoluminescence measurements. It is found that these compounds can self-assemble into hexagonal columnar and micellar cubic phases in their pure states, as well as organogels in organic solvents. In addition, fluorescence spectroscopic studies demonstrate that they can act as chemosensor of metal ions. The ester compounds exhibit dual selectivity for Fe 3+ and Hg 2+ , while the ether compounds show exclusive selectivity for Fe 3+ ion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degradation properties play a vital role in long-term in situ drug delivery systems. In vitro degradation behaviours of organogels were investigated via two approaches in this study: a weight loss method and a drug release method. Through the two methods, parameters that affect the degradation of organogels (such as gelator type, gelator concentration and oil type) were systematically tested under a lipase solution to better mimic in vivo circumstances. The gelator structure had the greatest influence on degradation behaviour. By regulating the parameters that influence degradation, the drug release method can properly predict in vivo degradation. Our investigation of organogel degradation provides a theoretical basis for in vivo organogel use as a biodegradable in situ implant for drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bleached rice bran wax (BRX), which is a by-product of rice bran oil purification, was used in this study. Bleached rice bran wax organogels (BRXO) were produced by mixing rice bran oil with BRX at 3%, 5%, 7% and 9 wt%. The crystal morphology and polymorphisms of BRXO were similar to bulk wax. BRXO crystal morphology is needle-like and fibrous. Crystalline BRXO has a structure with an orthorhombic sub-cell. The DSC thermographs showed two melting and crystallization profiles. BRXO formed gels at 5, 7 and 9 wt%. The gelation time decreased with an increase in BRX levels. The oil-binding capacity of BRXO at 7 and 9% BRX levels was higher than that at 98%. Texture parameters (firmness, hardness and adhesiveness), thermal behaviours (melting and crystallization behaviour) and SFC varied significantly with BRX level. The water-in-oil emulsion was prepared by using 9% BRXO (EO9). EO9 showed good stability compared to emulsion without the addition of organogels (E). Margarine in cookies was replaced with EO9. The hardness and colour of cookie dough and cookies were significantly affected by level of replacement, while the diameter, width, and spread factor were not significantly different. The results showed that BRX has feasibility for producing the organogels and water-in-oil emulsions, which have potential for margarine replacement in cookies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supramolecular polymeric stacks of flat molecular components provide a highly ordered molecular organization that results in unique functions. The engineering of molecular organization, therefore, has attracted a great deal of attention both in supramolecular chemistry and in material science. The electronic and structural properties of molecular components determine the forthcoming supramolecular organization structure and properties. Non-covalent intermolecular interactions are responsible for directional growth in supramolecular polymerization. We have discovered that a phenylisoxazole ring system drives supramolecular polymerization in a directional way. π-Conjugated molecular components possessing phenylisoxazole moieties constructively assemble to form one-dimensional stacked assemblies via π–π stacking and dipole–dipole interaction. The introduction of a chirality onto the molecular components results in supramolecular helical organizations with unique photophysical functions. Switchable circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) and circular dichroism (CD) are developed in the supramolecular helical organizations. The grown assemblies provide highly entangled fibrillar networks, giving rise to organogels. The photo-responsive organogels and toroidal nanostructures are fabricated with the assistance of a photo-addressable azobenzene group. A light-harvesting system is developed in the organogels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of amphiphilic α - cyanostilbene derivatives consisting of an α-cyanostilbene rodlike core with lipophilic and flexible alkyl chains at one end and a polar glycerol group at the opposite end have been synthesized and investigated by polarizing microscopy, DSC, X-ray scattering, SEM, UV-vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence measurements. These compounds can self-assemble into liquid crystalline phase sequence of SmA- Col hex / p 6 mm - Cub I / P m 3 ¯ n in the bulk states and multistimuli responsive organogels in organic solvents. They have reversible photoresponsive properties in solution, liquid crystalline state and gel state. They also show aggregation-induced enhanced emission (AIEE) property, meanwhile, they present excellent mechanochromic behavior and have a good reversibility of fluorescence conversion upon grinding-fuming process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]