An imidazolium-based supramolecular gelator enhancing interlayer adhesion in 3D printed dual network hydrogels

Structural insights into self-assembly of a slow-evolving and mechanically robust supramolecular gel via time-resolved small-angle neutron scattering

“…22 Another example entails utilizing scanning electron and X-ray microscopy to spatially control the cross-linking in a liquid polymer hydrogel solution on the nano- and micrometer scales, facilitating applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery. 23 Further examples can be found in carbohydrate-based low-molecular weight gelators (LMWGs) being applied to environmental remediation, 3D printing, ion sensing, catalysis, and drug delivery, 24 as well as exploring the molecular structures and rheological properties of LMWGs that make them suitable for use in 3D printing, 25 such as a gel with a UV-sensitive moiety permitting rapid curing with a robust structure 26 and an easily soluble gel that can used as a sacrificial ink. 27 By comparison, purely structural investigations of supramolecular gel materials during the assembly are rather limited.…”

Self-assembled gel tubes, filaments and 3D-printing within situmetal nanoparticle formation and enhanced stem cell growth

“…Due to the poor mechanical properties of LMWGs in comparison to polymers, 3D-printing still remains relatively unexplored for LMWGs. 16,25 3D-printing of DBS-CONHNH 2 was performed by coupling the syringe pump with a drawing robot moving the nozzle in x and y directions, with movement in the z direction being achieved with a z-micrometric platform. A DBS-CONHNH 2 solution in DMSO (3.0% wt/vol) was injected in a static water bath in a polystyrene Petri dish by moving the nozzle to obtain a geometric pattern (Fig.…”

Short Peptide-Based Smart Thixotropic Hydrogels

“…Under a high applied shear force, the fibrous network diminished because of the mechanical disruption of the physically weak non-covalent bonds associated with the network and exhibited a loop-sided curl structure [ 7 , 11 ]. As a result, the entrapped solvent molecules become free to flow, resulting in a gel-to-sol transition state [ 7 , 49 ]. However, reorganization of the fibrillar network entrapping solvent molecules was observed at a lower shear force.…”