Probing the self-assembled structures and pK(a) of hydrogels using electrochemical methods

Cross, Emily R and Adams, Dave J (2019) Probing the self-assembled structures and pK(a) of hydrogels using electrochemical methods. SOFT MATTER, 15 (7). pp. 1522-1528.

Access the full-text of this item by clicking on the Open Access link.

Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/c8sm02430h

Abstract

The surface chemistry of the aggregated structures that form the scaffold in self-assembled hydrogels - their charge, hydrophobicity and ion-binding dynamics - plays an important role in determining the gel properties and the gel's suitability for specific applications. However, there are limited methods available for the study of this surface chemistry. Here, we show that electrochemical techniques can be used to measure the surface chemical properties of the self-assembled aggregate structures and also to determine the pKa of the gelators. We also provide a method to quickly determine whether a functionalised-dipeptide will form a gel or not. This method has scope for use in high-throughput screening and further complex pH-triggered self-assembled gelation systems.

Item Type:	Article
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	08 May 2019 10:52
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2023 00:48
DOI:	10.1039/c8sm02430h
Open Access URL:	http://doi.org/10.1039/c8sm02430h
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3040260