To Gel or Not to Gel: Lessons Learned in Predicting Gelation of Oils

Speaker

Michael Rogers, University of Guelph

Abstract

Inspired by the intricate architectures of self-assembled molecular gels, we attempt to not only understand the processes involved in their formation but to also harness this technology in hopes of creating new and  exciting  nano-materials.  Our desire to attain a fundamental understanding on the contrasting parameters including solubility and those that control epitaxial growth into elongated aggregates associated with assembly has led to this bottom-up approach to the basic question-what drives some molecules to form molecular gels? By understanding the molecular designs of self­-assembling low molecular weight molecules we hope to shed light on why some molecules aggregate and others don't. For example, why do some molecules in the body aggregate and cause diseases such as Alzheimer' s diseases and prion proteins?