Investigation of an Organogel by Micro-Differential Scanning Calorimetry: Quantitative Relationship between the Shapes of the Thermograms and the Phase Diagram

Cellulose from bacteria as a delivery system for improved treatment of infectious diseases: A review of updates and prospects

Cellulose from bacteria is a high-purity biomaterial naturally produced by bacteria as part of their metabolic process. Although it inherently lacks antimicrobial activity, its modification with bioactive substances can significantly enhance its efficacy beyond that of the original compounds. This biomaterial features a unique ability to retain substantial quantities of liquids within its three-dimensional network, making it a prime candidate for biomedical applications. Versatile in its properties, it can be utilized across various industries. Previous research has highlighted its capacity to exhibit antimicrobial properties and to encapsulate nanostructured materials, thereby augmenting its antibacterial effectiveness. This review focuses on the use of cellulose from bacteria as a carrier for active compounds, specifically targeting antibacterial activity against drug-resistant strains. We explore its role in innovative bacterial cellulose-based systems, which present a promising solution for tackling bacterial resistance. This review aims to showcase the potential of bacterial cellulose in developing new devices and treatment strategies that address critical concerns in global health.

Synthesis of dicholesteryl organogelator as a green sorbent nanomaterial for oil spill remediation

In the field of global water purification, the issue of marine oil spills represents a significant challenge. The use of phase-selective organogelators (PSOGs) as sorbent materials in oil spill remediation is a promising solution due to their environmental adaptability and high absorption capacity. However, there are limited reports on PSOGs that can be used in powder form for rapid phase-selective gelation of crude oils. In this context, the development of innovative dicholesteryl derivatives as low-molecular-weight organogelators (LMOGs) offers a promising solution in powder form. These gelators are synthesized through a one-pot multi-component reaction as green synthesis method, which ensures high purity and eliminates the need for harsh conditions. The incorporation of cholesterol into the gelator structure demonstrate environmental adaptability. The exceptional sorption capacity was attributed to the structured 2D/3D networks observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The hydrophobic properties of these gelators, as evidenced by a water contact angle of 118 degrees, enable them to efficiently gel various organic solvents at low concentrations (1% w/v) at ambient temperatures, without the need for heating-cooling cycles or co-solvents. The eco-friendly nature and efficient oil-water separation capabilities of these gelators in powder form represent a significant advancement in global water purification efforts.

Palmitoylethanolamide gels edible oils

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous compound with no adverse effect for oral intakes of a gram per day. We show that PEA gels edible oils at concentrations as low as 0.5 wt%. The elastic moduli values of the formed gels are 1400 Pa at 1 wt% and 9000 Pa at 2 wt%. The study of the gels by cryo-SEM, optical microscopy and WAXS show that PEA forms lamellar solid aggregates with widths of several tens of micrometers. Upon heating, the sample shows two transitions. The first one is the gel-to-sol transition, observed by rheology and defined by the switch from a solid to a liquid behavior. During this transition, the solid particles remain but do no longer form a network. The second transition, observed at higher temperature by DSC corresponds to the melting of the solid particles.

Editorial on Special Issue “Organogels: State of the Art”

Organogels are a very diverse and fascinating class of soft materials that, over the last 30 years, have evolved to be one of the most interesting subjects in materials science [...]