A new method for maintaining homogeneity during liquid–hydrogel transitions using low molecular weight hydrogelators

We demonstrate a generic new approach to produce homogeneous and reproducible hydrogels from low molecular weight hydrogelators using the controlled hydrolysis of glucono-δ-lactone (GdL). GdL slowly hydrolyses in water to give gluconic acid, which controllably lowers the pH. This hydrolysis is slower than the rate of dissolution; hence uniform pH change throughout the sample is possible. This results in homogeneous hydrogels that are unaffected by their shear or mixing history. A further advantage of this method is that it allows the gelation process to be monitored, giving further insight into the mechanism by which gelation occurs.