Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Author Spotlight: Development of Homogeneous κ-Carrageenan Sub-Microgel Baths for High-Resolution 3D Bioprinting
Published on: May 3, 2024
Relationship between rheology and structure of interpenetrating, deforming and compressing microgels
Gaurasundar M Conley1, Chi Zhang1, Philippe Aebischer1
1Department of Physics, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 3, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Thermosensitive microgels are widely studied hybrid systems combining properties of polymers and colloidal particles in a unique way. Due to their complex morphology, their interactions and packing, and consequentially the viscoelasticity of suspensions made from microgels, are still not fully understood, in particular under dense packing conditions. Here we study the frequency-dependent linear viscoelastic properties of dense suspensions of micron sized soft particles in conjunction with an analysis of the local particle structure and morphology based on superresolution microscopy. By identifying the dominating mechanisms that control the elastic and dissipative response, we can explain the rheology of these widely studied soft particle assemblies from the onset of elasticity deep into the overpacked regime. Interestingly, our results suggest that the friction between the microgels is reduced due to lubrification mediated by the polymer brush-like corona before the onset of interpenetration.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Structure-Activity Relationships and Drug Design
SAR studies the intricate relationship between a drug's chemical structure and biological activity. It focuses on understanding how modifications to a drug's structure can influence...
Local Anesthetics: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Cholinergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Adrenergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Aromatic ring substitutions: Substituting the aromatic ring with –OH groups at positions 3 and 4 yields catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine), which have a high affinity for adrenoceptors. Hydrogen bonding between –OH groups and receptors enhances adrenergic activity.
Separation of...
Relationship Formation
Plastic Deformations

