Gelator

A gelator is a substance, typically a small organic molecule, capable of inducing gelation, or the formation of a gel, in a liquid. This process involves the self-assembly of the gelator molecules to create a three-dimensional network that entraps the liquid. The gelator molecules interact through various non-covalent forces like hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, π-π stacking, or electrostatic interactions. The resulting gel exhibits solid-like properties despite containing a significant proportion of liquid. The efficiency of a gelator is often determined by the minimal concentration needed to achieve gelation. The properties of the resulting gel are highly dependent on the specific gelator used and the solvent system.

Gelator meaning with examples

• Researchers developed a new gelator based on a modified peptide sequence to encapsulate therapeutic drugs. The resulting gel allowed for sustained drug release within the body. The peptide's self-assembly properties efficiently trapped water molecules, and created a solid-like matrix with potential for drug delivery systems. This demonstrates the diverse applications of gelators in biomedical fields.
• In material science, certain long-chain amphiphiles are used as *gelators* for organic solvents. These amphiphiles, with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic sections, self-assemble to create a network that gels the solution. This method creates strong gels that are utilized to absorb spills, or in the production of novel composite materials with unique mechanical and optical properties.
• A specific class of sugar-based molecules functions as effective *gelators* in alcoholic solutions. The hydrogen bonding between the sugar molecules and the alcohol molecules is the driving force behind this phenomenon. The resulting gel can find use in the food industry to control texture. Further research explores the application of sugar based gelators in creating eco-friendly gel products.
• Scientists are investigating the potential of modified polymers to act as *gelators* for various industrial applications. These polymers, when dispersed in a suitable solvent, undergo self-assembly to create a three-dimensional network structure. The resulting gels are utilized in the manufacture of adhesives and coatings due to their unique film-forming abilities and controllable viscosity.
• The study focuses on the effects of metal complexes as *gelators*. By altering the ligands attached to the metal center, researchers can tune the properties of the resultant gels. This allows for the creation of stimuli-responsive gels that change their properties (e.g., viscosity or rigidity) in response to external factors such as temperature or light, making these complexes applicable for sensors.