*2.6. Rheological Analysis*

Rheological measurements of fluids or hydrogels were carried out using a rheometer (Kinexus Pro KNX2100, Southborough, MA, USA) equipped with a parallel-plate sample holder. The temperature sweep curve was recorded in the range of 25 to 45 ◦C by heating liquid samples at a rate of 1 ◦C/min, and the incipient gelling temperature (Ti) of liquid samples was determined at the intersection point of storage modulus (G) and loss modulus (G"). Isothermal frequency sweep experiments were conducted using hydrogel discs (10 mm in diameter and ca. 4 mm in height) prepared with a punch, and the obtained data were plotted as a function of modulus versus frequency at predefined strain amplitude of 1%. Shear viscosity of liquid samples was measured at 23 ◦C in a shear rate range between 0.1/s and 400/s.
