Gel,biological

Kandimalla, V.B., Tripathi, V.S. and Ju, H.X. (2006) Immobilization of biomolecules in sol-gels Biological and analytical applications. Critical Reviews in Analytical Chemistry, 36, 73-106. 

Analysis of low-temperature thermal events such as freezing and supercooling is important for understanding the behavior of water in microporous materials, gels, biological tissues, foods, and other microstructured fluids at subzero temperatures [8],... 

In biological systems molecular assemblies connected by non-covalent interactions are as common as biopolymers. Examples arc protein and DNA helices, enzyme-substrate and multienzyme complexes, bilayer lipid membranes (BLMs), and aggregates of biopolymers forming various aqueous gels, e.g, the eye lens. About 50% of the organic substances in humans are accounted for by the membrane structures of cells, which constitute the medium for the vast majority of biochemical reactions. Evidently organic synthesis should also develop tools to mimic the Structure and propertiesof biopolymer, biomembrane, and gel structures in aqueous media. 

Gel filtration chromatography (GFC) is the name used to describe this method of separation in the biochemical literature. Under this heading, the method is primarily applied to aqueous solutions of solutes of biological origin. 

Denture Adhesives. Fast hydration and gel-forming properties are ideally mated to produce a thick, cushioning fluid between the dentures and gums (100). The biologically inert nature of poly(ethylene oxide) helps reduce unpleasant odors and taste in this type of personal-care product (see... 

This group of aluminum carboxylates is characterized mainly by its abiUty to gel vegetable oils and hydrocarbons. Again, monocarboxylate, dicarboxylate, and tricarboxylate salts are important. The chemical, physical, and biological properties of the various types of aluminum stearates have been reviewed (29). Other products include aluminum palmitate and aluminum 2-ethylhexanoate (30). 

Electroultrafiltration (EUF) combines forced-flow electrophoresis (see Electroseparations,electrophoresis) with ultrafiltration to control or eliminate the gel-polarization layer (45—47). Suspended colloidal particles have electrophoretic mobilities measured by a zeta potential (see Colloids Elotation). Most naturally occurring suspensoids (eg, clay, PVC latex, and biological systems), emulsions, and protein solutes are negatively charged. Placing an electric field across an ultrafiltration membrane faciUtates transport of retained species away from the membrane surface. Thus, the retention of partially rejected solutes can be dramatically improved (see Electrodialysis). 

Hydrated bilayers containing one or more lipid components are commonly employed as models for biological membranes. These model systems exhibit a multiplicity of structural phases that are not observed in biological membranes. In the state that is analogous to fluid biological membranes, the liquid crystal or La bilayer phase present above the main bilayer phase transition temperature, Ta, the lipid hydrocarbon chains are conforma-tionally disordered and fluid ( melted ), and the lipids diffuse in the plane of the bilayer. At temperatures well below Ta, hydrated bilayers exist in the gel, or Lp, state in which the mostly all-trans chains are collectively tilted and pack in a regular two-dimensional... 

Irrespective of the development of media, many of the traditional media are successfully defending their position. This is due to their hydrophilic nature, preserving biological function of the separated molecules, but also the fact that columns may be prepared easily and, finally, some of the classical media, e.g., Sephadex, have a selectivity that is so far unsurpassed and therefore very fit for use. Intersting enough, Sephadex is still the premiere gel filtration medium for desalting due to the optimal pore size and particle size of this medium (see Section II,C). 

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