Low Molecular Weight Gelators
The development of low molecular weight gelators (LMWGs)
is currently receiving a great deal of attention. By means of hydrogen
bonding and other supramolecular interactions,
molecules of a LMWG can self-assemble into fibers which, analogous to
those in polymer gels, can entrap solvent thus giving rise to the
formation of a gel. Unlike polymers, LMWGs possess
small and relatively simple structures, which means that they can
be easily and uniformly functionalized. Furthermore, the fibers made up of
LMWG molecules, are a dynamic system, i.e. they are in constant
equilibrium with LMWG molecules in solution, making them self-repairing.
Biomade has acquired substantial expertise in the field
of (hydro)gels of low molecular weight
compounds and their use for drug delivery purposes. We have developed and
patented a variety of novel, responsive LMWGs, often carbohydrate- or
amino acid-based, capable of gelating aqueous solutions (as well as
organic solvents). These LMWGs are responsive to either changes in
temperature, pH, the presence of certain chemicals, or combinations of
these stimuli. The very rapid response times (i.e. the time it takes to
turn a gel into a sol) for gels of LMWGs makes them excellent candidates
for the development of drug delivery devices.
