Structure, Preparation, and Applications of Bigels

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Colloid and Surface Chemistry
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Traditional gels (hydrogels and oleogels) have limitations in water content, mechanical strength, and loading capacity.
• Bigels are semi-solid, biphasic systems created by combining hydrogels and oleogels.
• They feature interpenetrating networks, offering improved biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and loading capacity over single-phase gels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the composition, structural types, and formation mechanisms of bigels.
• To analyze factors influencing bigel performance, including gelator type/concentration, ratios, and preparation conditions.
• To discuss current and potential applications of bigels in various industries.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of bigel fabrication, characterization, and applications.
• Analysis of gelling agents, preparation techniques (high-speed shearing), and structural types (O/W, W/O, bicontinuous).
• Evaluation of influencing factors: gelator concentration, water-to-oil ratio, storage time, and pH.

Main Results:

• Bigels integrate hydrogel biocompatibility with oleogel mechanical strength and loading capacity.
• Key factors like gelator type, concentration, and water-to-oil ratio significantly influence bigel properties.
• Bigels exhibit tunable rheology, high stability, and multi-functionality, suitable for diverse applications.

Conclusions:

• Bigels represent a promising class of materials with tunable properties and multi-functionality.
• They offer significant potential for applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.
• Future research should focus on improving long-term stability, cost-effectiveness, and exploring advanced applications in smart materials and bionic engineering.