Thixotropic Gels: Mechanisms, Functions and Applications

A special issue of Gels (ISSN 2310-2861). This special issue belongs to the section "Gel Analysis and Characterization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 1257

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Division of Organic Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: gel; organogel; self-assembly; oil; drug-delivery; fat substitutes; hydrogel; rheology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Thixotropy attracts the attention of researchers from fundamental, functional and applied perspectives. In the domain of gels, thixotropy is responsible for numerous functions, such as the gelation of water, oil, emulsions and various solvents. Thixotropic organogelators are particularly intriguing because the nature of self-healing has not been extensively explored. Due to the non-covalent interactions underlying the self-assembly of small organic molecules, leading to the formation of nanostructured systems and ultimately forming a gel, the self-healing of the gelator structure after mechanical disruption of the gel structure is unexpected. Hence, in this Special Issue, we aim to summarize contributions in the field, focusing on the mechanistic basis for the formation of thixotropic organogels, various characterization techniques, especially rheological characterization, diverse functional properties, the stimuli-responsive properties responsible for the formation of thixotropic gels in any solvent and, above all, their applications. The application and functionality of thixotropic gelators in materials science, medicine, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food underscore the importance of a comprehensive overview of this field.

Dr. Nataša Šijaković Vujičić
Prof. Dr. Anabela Raymundo
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • thixotropy
  • self-assembly
  • organogels
  • rheology
  • applications
  • 3D-printing gels

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

20 pages, 2187 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Jam with Apple Pomace: Gelling, Rheology, and Composition Analysis
by Ândria Viegas, Maria João Alegria and Anabela Raymundo
Gels 2024, 10(9), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10090580 - 8 Sep 2024
Viewed by 765
Abstract
Fruit juice processing can generate significant waste, but efficiently repurposing some of its byproducts not only reduces environmental impact but also adds value, thereby enhancing sustainability in the food industry. This work assesses the use of hydrocolloids in jam preparation and the influence [...] Read more.
Fruit juice processing can generate significant waste, but efficiently repurposing some of its byproducts not only reduces environmental impact but also adds value, thereby enhancing sustainability in the food industry. This work assesses the use of hydrocolloids in jam preparation and the influence of time and temperature on gelation in the presence of apple pomace. The effects of different processing conditions were analyzed using response surface methodology. Viscosity, elastic modulus (G′), viscous modulus (G″), and firmness were measured. Results indicated that both time and temperature significantly improved rheological and textural properties. The optimal conditions (35.6 min and 84.2 °C) yielded a viscosity of 3.66 × 10⁴ ± 4.49 × 102 Pa·s and a G′ at 1 Hz of 2596 ± 128 Pa. The final product exhibited the desirable texture, was free of added sugars, had low lipid content, and retained its bioactive compounds. Applying apple pomace in the formulation allows a more efficient hydrocolloid system, promotes a circular economy, and combats food waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thixotropic Gels: Mechanisms, Functions and Applications)
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