Characterisation of Gelation by Atomic Force Microscopy

Abstract

This thesis presents investigations into supramolecular gels by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), rheometry and Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) to study the assembly and disassembly processes of gels and their physical properties to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between microscopic and macroscopic properties of gels. Supramolecular gels, which have a reversible nature and can be switched via external stimuli, and peptide gels of biological relevance were studied with the above-mentioned techniques.