Single Micrometer-Sized Gels: Unique Mechanics and Characters for Applications
Single Micrometer-Sized Gels: Unique Mechanics and Characters for Applications
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DOI：
10.3390/gels4020029
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发表时间：
2018-03
期刊：
影响因子：
4.6
通讯作者：
M. Yanagisawa;Chiho Watanabe;Kei Fujiwara
中科院分区：
文献类型：
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作者：
M. Yanagisawa;Chiho Watanabe;Kei Fujiwara
微凝胶是亚微米到微米大小的小凝胶，由于其生物相容性和/或对外部环境的快速反应，被广泛应用于食品、化妆品和生物医学应用中。然而，由于尺寸在多微米范围内的单一微凝胶的制备技术和测量方法的限制，“单一”微凝胶的性质尚未得到表征。多种形态单一微凝胶的合成及其表征对凝胶材料的进一步功能化和应用具有重要意义。在这篇综述中，我们介绍了微凝胶的制备和表征方法的最新进展。讨论的第一个主题包括利用相分离、界面润湿和屈曲不稳定性等物理现象制备单一微凝胶的自组装方法。第二个主题是分析单个微凝胶的力学性质的方法，以及它们与整体凝胶的力学特性之间的差异。单个微凝胶的制备和表征的最新进展将为凝胶材料的设计和功能化带来重要的启示。
Microgels—small gels of submicron to micron size—are widely used in food, cosmetics and biomedical applications because of their biocompatibility and/or fast response to external environments. However, the properties of “single” microgels have not been characterized due to limitations in preparation technologies and measurement methods for single microgels with sizes in the multi-micrometer range. The synthesis of multiple shapes of single microgels and their characterization are important for further functionalization and application of gel-based materials. In this review, we explain the recent advancements in microgel fabrication and characterization methods for single microgels. The first topic discussed includes the self-assembly methods for single microgel fabrication using physical phenomena such as phase separation, interfacial wetting and buckling instability. The second topic deals with methods for analyzing the mechanics of single microgels and the differences between their mechanical characteristics and those of bulk gels. The recent progress in the fabrication and characterization of single microgels will bring important insights to the design and functionalization of gel-based materials.