Bio-based glyco-bolaamphiphile forms a temperature-responsive hydrogel with tunable elastic properties

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Materials Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Production of a bio-based glycolipid bolaamphiphile using a genetically engineered S. bombicola strain.
• The molecule features symmetrical sophorose headgroups and a C16:0 spacer with ω-1 hydroxylation.
• Engineered strain (Δat Δsble Δfao1) and fatty alcohol feeding enable biosynthesis of bolaform glycolipids.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the hydrogel formation properties of the bio-based glyco-bolaamphiphile.
• Characterize the self-assembled fibrillar network (SAFiN) hydrogel.
• Determine parameters controlling the hydrogel's elastic properties and phase transitions.

Main Methods:

• Hydrogel formation studies in water at room temperature.
• Analysis of temperature-dependent gel-to-sol transitions (fiber-to-micelle phase change).
• Quantitative description of SAFiN hydrogel, including sol-gel transition temperature, gelling time, and critical gel concentration.

Main Results:

• The glyco-bolaamphiphile readily forms a hydrogel dependent on self-assembled fiber formation.
• A reversible gel-to-sol transition occurs above 28 °C due to fiber-to-micelle phase change.
• Elastic modulus (G') is tunable, exceeding kPa at 3 wt% and 25 °C, and ranging from 100 Pa to 20 kPa at 5 °C via undercooling control.

Conclusions:

• The bio-based glyco-bolaamphiphile forms a robust SAFiN hydrogel with tunable elastic properties.
• Understanding the fibrillation mechanism and phase transitions allows precise control over hydrogel characteristics.
• The study provides a quantitative framework for utilizing this bio-based material in various applications.