Gels

"Gels" refer to a type of semi-solid substance that often has properties of both a solid and a liquid. They are composed of a liquid phase that is dispersed within a solid network, allowing them to maintain a definite shape while still being capable of flowing under stress. Gels are commonly used in various fields, including: 1. **Food**: Gels are used in food products like jellies, jams, and certain desserts.

Edible gels are a type of food product made from gelling agents that create a gel-like texture. They are commonly used in the food industry for various applications, including as thickening agents, stabilizers, or for creating desserts and confections. Some common gelling agents used to produce edible gels include: 1. **Gelatin**: A protein derived from animal collagen, used in a variety of sweets like gummy candies, marshmallows, and jellies.

Agar is a gelatinous substance derived from red algae, specifically from the cell walls of certain species of seaweed. It is primarily composed of agarose and agaropectin, which are polysaccharides. Agar is commonly used in various applications, including: 1. **Culture Medium**: In microbiology, agar serves as a solid medium for growing bacteria and fungi in laboratory settings. Different types of agar, such as nutrient agar and agar plates, provide nutrients needed for microbial growth.

Aluminum chloride hexahydrate, with the chemical formula AlCl₃·6H₂O, is a hydrated form of aluminum chloride. It consists of one aluminum ion (Al³⁺) and three chloride ions (Cl⁻), combined with six water molecules. This compound is typically a white or colorless crystalline solid. ### Properties: - **Molecular Weight:** Approximately 241.

Aquamid is a soft tissue filler made from a hydrophilic gel that is primarily composed of 97.5% water and 2.5% polyacrylamide. It is used in aesthetic medicine for facial contouring and volume restoration, as well as in certain medical applications for treating specific conditions like defects or irregularities in soft tissue. Aquamid is known for its durability, as it can provide long-lasting results compared to some other filler options.

Gelatin is a translucent, flavorless food ingredient derived from collagen, which is a protein found in animal connective tissues, such as skin, bones, and cartilage. It is commonly used in cooking and food production due to its gelling properties.

Gelclair is a topical medication typically used to relieve oral mucositis, which is an inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes in the mouth. This condition can occur as a side effect of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments. Gelclair is formulated as a gel that provides a protective coating over the oral mucosa, helping to soothe pain and discomfort, promote healing, and reduce inflammation.

Hantz reactions, also known as Hantzsch reactions, refer to a series of chemical reactions that involve the synthesis of dihydropyridines. These reactions are named after the German chemist Heinrich Hantzsch, who developed the method. In its most common form, the Hantzsch reaction involves the condensation of aldehydes (or ketones), β-ketoesters (or certain other carbonyl compounds), and ammonia or primary amines in the presence of a reducing agent.

Low molecular-mass organic gelators (LMOGs) are small organic molecules that can form gel-like structures when dispersed in a solvent at relatively low concentrations. Unlike traditional polymeric gelators, LMOGs typically have a molecular weight of less than 1,000 Da and can self-assemble into fibrillar or network structures that trap solvent molecules, leading to the formation of a gel.

Nanocomposite hydrogels are a class of materials that combine the properties of hydrogels and nanomaterials. Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers that can absorb a significant amount of water while maintaining their structure. They are known for their biocompatibility, flexibility, and ability to mimic biological tissues, making them useful in biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing.

Organogels are a type of gel-like material composed primarily of a liquid organic solvent and a gelator, which is typically a small organic molecule or polymer that can form a three-dimensional network throughout the solvent. This network holds the solvent in place, giving the material its gel-like properties.

Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer derived from the acrylamide monomer. It is commonly used in various applications due to its hydrophilic properties and ability to form gels. Here are some key points about polyacrylamide: 1. **Chemical Structure**: Polyacrylamide is formed through the polymerization of acrylamide, and its structure consists of repeating units of the acrylamide monomer, which gives it its high molecular weight.

Silica gel is a granular, porous form of silicon dioxide (SiO2) that is commonly used as a desiccant to control humidity and moisture in various products and environments. It is not the same as the sand that is often found in beaches or deserts, though both are composed of silica.

A thickening agent is a substance added to a liquid to increase its viscosity, which helps to create a thicker or more gelatinous consistency. Thickening agents are commonly used in various industries, including food production, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and oil drilling. In cooking, thickening agents can include: 1. **Starches**: Such as cornstarch, wheat flour, and tapioca. These are often used to thicken sauces, soups, and gravies.

Vetigel is a product developed by the biotechnology company 3D Biotek, and it is designed to promote wound healing and stop bleeding in various medical contexts. It is a hydrogel made from plant-derived materials that can be applied to cuts, abrasions, surgical sites, and other wounds. The primary function of Vetigel is to quickly control bleeding by forming a gel-like barrier over the wound, which helps to stabilize blood clots and create an environment conducive to healing.

Water gel, often referred to as a hydrogel, is a gel-like substance that contains a significant amount of water—usually over 90% by weight—mixed with a polymer material. These gels can retain large amounts of water while maintaining a structure that resembles a solid, allowing them to take on various shapes and forms.