Self-Propelling Hybrid Gels Incorporating an Active Self-Assembled, Low-Molecular-Weight Gelator.

ABSTRACT: Hybrid gel beads based on combining a low-molecular-weight gelator (LMWG) with a polymer gelator (PG) demonstrate an enhanced ability to self-propel in water, with the LMWG playing an active role. Hybrid gel beads were loaded with ethanol and shown to move in water owing to the Marangoni effect changes in surface tension caused by the expulsion of ethanol - smaller beads move farther and faster than larger beads. Flat shapes of the hybrid gel were cut using a "stamp" - circles moved the furthest, whereas stars showed more rotation on their own axes. Comparing hybrid LMWG/PG gel beads with PG-only beads demonstrated that the LMWG speeds up the beads, enhancing the rate of self-propulsion. Self-assembly of the LMWG into a "solid-like" network prevents its leaching from the gel. The LMWG also

SUBMITTER: Piras CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8597049 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature