Gel formation on heating

The inner PPO core is able to solubilise hydrophobic compounds and hence they have application in, for example, the controlled release of water insoluble drugs. Their ability to form gels on heating to body temperature has led to a number of medical applications, e.g. they are used as an intraperitoneal barrier for prevention of post surgical adhesion 

Both MC and HPMC form surface films. They are used in food products as binders and to aid shape retention on heating in products such as reformed vegetables (potato croquettes, onion rings, etc.) and fish cakes. They are also used in personal care products such as shampoos, hair conditioners, shaving gels and toothpaste. 

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The comparison between the two chain pairs is also consistent with the physical properties. Paramylon and amylose are known for their gel forming properties and their carbon reserve function in p1 ants.(13,69) Although (l- -3)-3-D-glucan also plays a structural rFTe when it occurs in the cell walls of yeast( ), it is probably more of a matrix substance than anything else. The ability to form multiple helices probably accounts for unusual solubility phenomena such as retrogradation( ) and irreversible gel formation on heating. (13)... 

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