Polysaccharides can allow advanced functions, of which two examples are discussed here. Biological gels, such as extracellular matrix, show strain hardening to provide robustness under deformations. Here we show that a even a common polysaccharide agarose allows strain hardening gels (1,2). The scaling relations and the subtle rheological procedures to suppress the slip are briefly discussed. The strain hardening is useful in tissue culturing. On the other hand, fiber spinning from polysaccharide gels allows optical fibers, as is shown using methylcellulose (3,4). They can show propagation loss as low as 1.47 dB cm−1. Combining with its high ductility (maximum strain 52%) and biocompatibility, it allows a feasible platform, e.g., for short distance optical sensing.

Versatile functions of polysaccharides: From strain hardening gels to optical fibers

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.