Physical Gels Research Articles

Soft Ca2+-induced pea protein gels through mild heating: Controlling elasticity and fracturing behavior

With the rising demand for plant-based protein, understanding the formation of pea protein gels induced by calcium is important for manufacturing of food products with appealing textural properties. Moreover, the moderate temperature processing is becoming of greater and greater interest, based on conditions used for food fermentation. The objective of this study is to understand the structural and rheology behaviour of calcium-induced pea protein aggregates at moderate plateau temperatures i.e. in the range 30–45 °C with holding times from 0 to 60,000s. Based on the combination of confocal fluorescence microscopy (CLSM) imaging, rheology and IR spectroscopy, our results show that despite the relatively low temperature range, thermal agitation not only allows for partial protein particle dissolution, but also induces interactions leading to soft gel formation. Within a shorter holding time (0–600s) range, higher Gʹ/Gʹ0 (t) were observed at 40 °C and 45 °C, the end elastic modulus reaching for any parameters tested at least 1000 Pa. As the holding time was extended to 60,000s, the effect of temperature became less pronounced, i.e., all gels reached similar high values of Gʹ even for the low temperature of 30 °C, which is nearly 3–4 times higher than that formed at 600s holding time (at the temperature plateau). IR spectroscopy measurements showed that the protein secondary structure remained stable within the holding time ranging from 0s to 6,000s, while significant but moderate changes were monitored when extending the holding time to 60,000s, which correlated with a more progressive yielding observed in rheology, pointing to the formation of apparently more fragile physical gels. The combination of the techniques shows that the gel formation and strengthening mainly originated from rearrangements at the colloidal level leading to a denser network, while molecular rearrangements only intervened at the longest holding times (i.e, 60,000s).

Development of a Human Recombinant Collagen for Vat Polymerization-Based Bioprinting.

In light-based 3D-bioprinting, gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) is one of the most widely used materials, as it supports cell attachment, and shows good biocompatibility and degradability in vivo. However, as an animal-derived material, it also causes safety concerns when used in medical applications. Gelatin is a partial hydrolysate of collagen, containing high amounts of hydroxyproline. This causes the material to form a thermally induced gel at ambient temperatures, a behavior also observed in GelMA. This temperature-dependent gelation requires precise temperature control during the bioprinting process to prevent the gelation of the material. To avoid safety concerns associated with animal-derived materials and reduce potential issues caused by thermal gelation, a recombinant human alpha-1 collagen I fragment was expressed in Komagataella phaffii without hydroxylation. The resulting protein was successfully modified with methacryloyl groups and underwent rapid photopolymerization upon ultraviolet light exposure. The developed material exhibited slightly slower polymerization and lower storage modulus compared to GelMA, while it showed higher stretchability. However, unlike the latter, the material did not undergo physical gelation at ambient temperatures, but only when cooled down to below 10°C, a characteristic that has not been described for comparable materials so far. This gelation was not caused by the formation of triple-helical structures, as shown by the absence of the characteristic peak at 220nm in CD spectra. Moreover, the developed recombinant material facilitated cell adherence with high cell viability after crosslinking via light to a 3D structure. Furthermore, desired geometries could be easily printed on a stereolithographic bioprinter.

Impact of a Bio-Cross-Linking Agent Obtained from Spent Coffee Grounds on the Physicochemical and Thermal Properties of Gelatin/Κ-Carrageenan Hydrogels.

Gelatine hydrogels can be prepared using different cross-linking methods, such as enzymatic, physical or chemical. Unfortunately, in the case of chemical cross-linking, the typically utilized synthetic cross-linkers are harmful to human health and the environment. Therefore, in accordance with the principles of green chemistry and sustainable development, we have obtained compounds for the chemical cross-linking of hydrogel polymers from the processing of spent coffee grounds. In this study, gelatin/κ-carrageenan hydrogels are cross-linked using a bio-cross-linking agent from spent coffee grounds. Their physicochemical and thermal properties are compared with those of standard physical gels. The chemical cross-linking was confirmed based on FT-IR spectra, which demonstrated the formation of new covalent bonds between the oxidized polyphenols included in the extract from the spent coffee grounds and the amide groups present in the gelatine structure. Significant differences were also observed in morphology (SEM images) and other physico-chemical characteristics (gel fraction, swelling ability, hardness). The chemically cross-linked hydrogels in comparison to physically ones are characterized by a better developed porous network, a slightly higher gel fraction (64.03 ± 4.52% as compared to 68.15 ± 0.77%), and a lower swelling ratio (3820 ± 45% as compared to 1773 ± 35%), while TGA results show that they have better thermal stability. The research confirmed the possibility of using the developed natural cross-linking agent in the process of obtaining hydrogel materials based on bio-polymers.

In Vitro Culture of Human Dermal Fibroblasts on Novel Electrospun Polylactic Acid Fiber Scaffolds Loaded with Encapsulated Polyepicatechin Physical Gels.

Polyepicatechin (PEC) in a hydrogel has previously shown promise in enhancing physiological properties and scaffold preparation. However, it remains unclear whether PEC-based fibers can be applied in skin tissue engineering (STE). This study aimed to synthesize and characterize electrospun PEC physical gels and polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds (PLAloadedPECsub) for potential use as constructs with human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). PEC was produced through enzymatic polymerization, as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated the feasibility of producing PLAloadedPECsub by electrospinning. The metabolic activity and viability of HDFs cocultured with the scaffolds indicate that PLAloadedPECsub is promising for the use of STE.

Thermoplastic Elastomers and Their Physical Gels Electrospun into Tunable Microfibrous Nonwoven Mats: Structure Formation and Property Enhancement

AbstractThermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) based on styrenic block copolymers constitute excellent examples of self‐networking macromolecules that are employed in a wide range of contemporary technologies as molded parts. In such applications, these TPEs exist as dense (nonporous) films or other shapes. Here, it is first demonstrated that a series of commercial TPEs possessing comparable compositions can be electrospun from solution to form microfibers that are arranged into nonwoven mats that are breathable. An important consideration for microfiber formation is the copolymer molecular weight, which regulates i) the viscosity of the parent solution prior to electrospinning, ii) the ability of these copolymers to self‐assemble during electrospinning, iii) the microfiber morphology, and iv) the mechanical properties of the resultant microfibers. The addition of a midblock‐selective aliphatic oil to these TPEs yields thermoplastic elastomer gels (TPEGs), wherein the copolymer morphology and mechanical properties become highly composition‐tunable. Electrospinning TPEGs from a binary oil+solvent solution introduces a micelle inversion mechanism that begins with an oil‐rich micellar core and ends with a styrene‐rich micellar core, required for network stabilization, as the solvent dries during microfiber solidification. This work has implications for the production of controllably low‐modulus microfibrous materials possessing modestly improved toughness but exceptional extensibility and enhanced optical transparency.

New insight into synergistic interaction between the backbone or side chain of xanthan gum and the backbone of Gleditsia sinensis polysaccharide

In this study, the synergistic effect and weak gel mechanism of XG and Gleditsia sinensis polysaccharide (GSP) in different ratios were studied through the rheological properties, microstructure and molecular simulation based on density functional theory (DFT). The results of rheological properties showed that the mixtures formed a weak gel at the concentration of 0.5 % (w/v), with the synergistic impact peaking at a XG/GSP ratio of 3:7. Weak gels produced by XG and GSP had the intersection of G' and G" within the temperature sweep range, and the largest change in the G' slope at a XG/GSP ratio of 3:7. By calculating the interaction energy, it was found that the backbone of XG was more likely to interact with the backbone of GSP. Furthermore, the XG mainchain intersected with the backbone of GSP in a cross shape (“X” shape). As a result, this paper proposed a possible mechanism for the formation of the XG/GSP weak gel, with XG as the main chain and GSP as the grid point, and the main interaction type being hydrogen bonding, with the van der Waals force also involved. The results provide new insight for designing and producing physical gels with specific interactions in food industry.

Metal-ion-binding properties of glycyrrhiza polysaccharide extracted from Licorice: Structural characterization and potential application in drug delivery

Licorice is not only a widely used food, but also a classic tonic Chinese medicine, which mainly contains glycyrrhiza polysaccharides (GP) and flavonoids with excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pharmacological activities. In this study, a neutral homogeneous polysaccharide (GP1–2) was isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. However, its gelation behavior and properties have yet to be comprehensively studied. In this study, a Ca2+ cross-linked physical hydrogel based on neutral GP1–2 (GP1–2-Ca2+) is fabricated. The ability of metal ions to cross-linked gelation with GP1–2 is explored with respect to the polysaccharide concentrations, ion species, and pH environments. The pH range of Ca2+ cross-linked with GP1–2 to form hydrogel is 8 to 10, and the gelation concentration ranges from 20.0 % to 50.0 % w/v. Subsequently, the properties of the GP1–2-Ca2+ hydrogels are investigated using rheological measurements, scanning electron microscopy, free radical scavenging, MTT assays, healing capability, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The results reveal that the structure of GP1–2 presents an irregular porous structure, however, the physical gel formed after cross-linking with Ca2+ microscopically showed a globular porous structure with uniform distribution, suggesting that this structure characteristic may be used as a carrier material for drug delivery. Meanwhile, the GP1–2-Ca2+ hydrogel also possessed extraordinary viscoelasticity, cytocompatibility, antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory activity, and ability to promote wound healing. Furthermore, the potential of GP1–2-Ca2+ hydrogels as drug delivery materials was validated by using rhein as a model drug for encapsulation, it is demonstrated that its cumulative release behavior of GP1–2-Ca2+ is pH-dependent. All in all, this study reveals the potential application of natural polysaccharides in drug delivery, highlighting its dual roles as carrier materials and bioactive ingredients.

Impact of a Mg2+ emulsion coagulant on tofu's gel characteristics

In the industrial production of tofu, controlling the coagulation rate is crucial. A controlled-release Mg2+-loaded water-in-oil emulsion coagulant was employed in tofu manufacturing, and its effects on the physical properties and gel behavior of tofu were studied. Compared with MgCl2, the emulsion coagulant could extend the initial coagulation time of soybean protein from 3 s to about 30 s due to its sustained release effect on Mg2+, which significantly decelerated the tofu gelation rate. In addition, different Mg2+ release rates significantly influenced the physical properties of the final tofu gel. At an appropriate Mg2+ release rate (at 7000 r min−1), it promoted the formation of a uniform and denser gel network, increased protein β-sheet structures, and benefited tofu in terms of moisture retention, yield, color, springiness, and appearance quality improvement. However, under low Mg2+ release rate, the emulsion coagulant weakened the disulfide bond and hydrophobic action, resulting in a weaker network. It also enhanced the moisture mobility in the tofu gel, with a dehydration rate of up to 17.72%. Similarly, too fast Mg2+ release rate also resulted in uneven networks with voids, leading to reduced moisture retention, yield, and color quality of tofu. These findings aim to provide a theoretical basis for the industrial production of tofu.

Combined experiments and molecular simulations for understanding the thermo-responsive behavior and gelation of methylated glucans with different glycosidic linkages

HypothesisElucidation of the micro-mechanisms of sol–gel transition of gelling glucans with different glycosidic linkages is crucial for understanding their structure–property relationship and for various applications. Glucans with distinct molecular chain structures exhibit unique gelation behaviors. The disparate gelation phenomena observed in two methylated glucans, methylated (1,3)-β-d-glucan of curdlan (MECD) and methylated (1,4)-β-d-glucan of cellulose (MC), notwithstanding their equivalent degrees of substitution, are intricately linked to their unique molecular architectures and interactions between glucan and water. ExperimentsDensity functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations focused on the electronic property distinctions between MECD and MC, alongside conformational variations during thermal gelation. Inline attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy tracked secondary structure alterations in MECD and MC. To corroborate the simulation results, additional analyses including circular dichroism, rheology, and micro-differential scanning calorimetry were performed. FindingsDespite having similar thermally induced gel networks, MECD and MC display distinct physical gelation patterns and molecular-level conformational changes during gelation. The network of MC gel was formed via a “coil-to-ring” transition, followed by ring stacking. In contrast, the MECD gel comprised compact irregular helices accompanied by notable volume shrinkage. These variations in gelation behavior are ascribed to heightened hydrophobic interactions and diminished hydrogen bonding in both systems upon heating, resulting in gelation. These findings provide valuable insights into the microstructural changes during gelation and the thermo-gelation mechanisms of structurally similar polysaccharides.

Fabrication of Triblock Elastomer Foams and Gelation Studies for Oil Spill Remediation.

Polymeric foamed materials are among the most widely utilized technologies for oil spill accidents and releases of oil-contaminated wastewater oil due to their porosity to absorb and separate oil/water effectively. However, a major limitation of traditional polymeric foams is their reliance on an ad/absorption mechanism as the sole method of oil capture, leading to potential oil leakage once their saturation point is exceeded. Tri-block polymer styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) is a fascinating absorbent material that can bypass this limitation by both capturing oil and providing a sealing mechanism via gelation to prevent oil leakage due to its unique chemical structure. SEBS foams are produced via simultaneous crosslinking and foaming that results in an impressive expansion ratio of up to 15.2 with over 93% porosity. Most importantly, the SEBS foams show great potential as oil absorbents in spill remediation, demonstrating rapid and efficient oil absorption coupled with superhydrophobic properties. Moreover, the unique interaction between the oil and SEBS enables the formation of a physical gel, acting as an effective barrier against oil leakage. These findings indicate the potential for commercializing SEBS foam as a viable option for geotextiles to mitigate oil spill concerns from infrastructures.

Different rheological behaviors of reinforced poly(methylvinylsiloxane) by mesoporous and spherical silica microparticles

To elucidate the mechanism underlying the high performance of mesoporous silica aerogel microparticle (SAG) in reinforcing polymers, the hydrodynamic effect and reinforcement effect of SAG microparticle in Poly-methylvinylsiloxane (PMVS) were investigated. For comparison, regular spherical silica particles (SS) with a comparable particle size and smooth surface were also incorporated into the study as a contrasting filler. It was found that SAG tended to form aggregates with high aspect ratio (shape factor f values between 16-20) and highly branched backbone structures (x = 1.95). However, these aggregates are more loosely packed (df = 1.7) and easily break into smaller flocs under the influence of shear forces. The load-bearing mechanism of the spatial network formed by these aggregates as nodes was akin to physical gels controlled by bond-bending forces (BBFs), with a scaling exponent of G*r with φe-φc of ν = 3.84, close to the theoretical value of the BBFs model. In contrast, the SS particles formed more compact aggregates (f value approximately 1.6) in PMVS, with load-bearing characteristics of the spatial network formed by them closer to chemical gels controlled by central forces (CFs). The scaling exponent of G*r with φe-φc for SS/PMVS was found to be ν = 2.15, close to the theoretical value of the CFs model.

A Promising Compound for Green Multiresponsive Materials Based on Acyl Carrier Protein.

A gel that exhibits intrinsically multiple-responsive behavior was prepared from an oligopeptide and studied. ACP(65-74) is an active decapeptide fragment of acyl carrier protein. We investigated 3% w/v ACP(65-74)-NH2 self-healing physical gels in water, glycerol carbonate (GC), and their mixtures. The morphology was investigated by optical, birefringence, and confocal laser scanning microscopy, circular dichroism, Fourier transform infrared, and fluorescence spectroscopy experiments. We found that all samples possess pH responsiveness with fully reversible sol-to-gel transitions. The rheological properties depend on the temperature and solvent composition. The temperature dependence of the gels in water shows a peculiar behavior that is similar to that of thermoresponsive polymer solutions. The results reveal the presence of several β-sheet structures and amyloid aggregates, offering valuable insights into the fibrillation mechanism of amyloids in different solvent media.

Time-Resolved Light Scattering of Atactic Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) in Water: Physical Gelation and Spinodal Temperature of the Hydrogel

Time-Resolved Light Scattering of Atactic Poly(<i>N</i>-isopropylacrylamide) in Water: Physical Gelation and Spinodal Temperature of the Hydrogel

Reverse mode LCPG films with self-assembly support of gel networks

ABSTRACT Liquid crystal physical gels (LCPG) with a 3D network structure show considerable promise as novel functional materials with a great impact on scientific and practical applications. LCPGs are not characterised by high hardness and high strength, but this mild nature is capable of forming dynamic supramolecular structures with the self-assembly ability of various non-covalent bonds such as hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, and van der Waals forces. In addition to anisotropic changes under optical and electrical stimulation, it enables to be one of the candidates for display devices. When the isotropic-anisotropic transition temperature of LCPG solution (TIA) is higher than the sol-gel transition temperature of gel molecules (TSG), the gelation can anchor the orientation of liquid crystal molecules to achieve the alteration of transparency and scattering of the film. In this paper, reverse mode LCPG films with high contrast, low driving voltage, and excellent cycle life were prepared using oriented liquid crystal cassettes and LCPG solutions, it also focused on the effects of chiral compounds (S)-octan-2-yl 4-((4-(hexyloxy)benzoyl)oxy)benzoate (S811) and gel 1,3:2,4-bis-0-(3,4-dimethylbenzylidene)sorbitol (DMDBS) content on electro-optical properties of LCPG films as well as the different functions of TIA and TSG on film orientation.

Self-Assembling Gelatin-Curdlan Fibril Hydrogels for Oriented Neural Cell Growth.

The ex vivo replication of the highly helical and fibril structures of load-bearing soft tissue is a challenging goal for the study of hydrogels. Inspired by nature, we prepared tissue-like physical gels based on curdlan and gelatin by self-assembly. The hybrid gels have a flexible fibril-matrix architecture, and the fibril orientation is highly tunable. The tensile strength of the gels can be tuned from ∼1.1 to ∼16.5 MPa. The coil-helix transition and nanofibril formation process in the self-assembly system was thoroughly investigated. These helical gels exhibit excellent cell compatibility, which supports adhesion and oriented growth of neural cells. Furthermore, the oriented nanofibrils in the gel are found to be associated with an upregulated expression of regeneration-related genes like N-cadherin (Cdh2) and neural growth factor (NGF). Owing to the strength and biomimetic structure, these gels have great potential in tissue engineering applications.

Potential functional oleogels based on phytosterol and diacylglycerol corn oil: Development and physicochemical characterization

This study aims to create oleogels by combining beeswax (BW) and plant sterols with diacylglycerol corn oil (DGCO). The findings demonstrate that gel formation occurred with 6:4 (w/w) blends of BW with sitosterol (Sit) and β-sitosterol (PS) oils at a 20% (w/w) concentration, while BW-plant sterol ester (PE) gelled at a 15% (w/w). Texture analysis reveals that the maximum hardness of the BW-PE oleogel (582.62 N) was approximately five times higher than other oleogels and DGCO-based oleogel displayed greater hardness (52.39 N∼140.89 N) and lower viscosity (−57.06 N∼−25.94 N). The melting point of the DGCO-based oleogel increased from 48.35 °C to 57.64 °C as the BW content increased and microstructure from polarized light microscope displayed that he BW-PE oleogel presented itself as bundle-shaped crystals and with an augmentation in concentration, the dimensions of these crystals diminished while their abundance escalated. Notably, the BW-PE oleogel based on DGCO exhibited the most condensed structure. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed oleogel based on DGCO corresponding to characteristic peaks of β′and β-type crystals while the infrared spectroscopy demonstrated no new peaks formation whether for hydrogen bonds or covalent interactions in DGCO-based oleogel. These stable physical DGCO-based gel system provide a choice for the preparation of functional oleogels with lipid-lowering ingredients.

Effect of ion distribution on stress relaxation in polyelectrolyte complex gels.

Solutions of polyelectrolytes consisting of polycations and polyanions in equal proportions were studied in the present work. Due to the physical cross-links formed by the charged groups, physical gels were formed in such systems. The mechanical properties and structure of the obtained gels depending on the charge arrangement along the backbone and the dimensionless Bjerrum length λ were investigated. The response of the systems to a uniaxial affine deformation was studied first. It was found that the systems can be divided into three groups depending on the charge arrangement: showing an almost elastic response; showing a viscoelastic response with a very long relaxation time; and showing a weak viscoelastic response with a short relaxation time. Interestingly, no stable aggregates were formed in the systems with the charges located on spacers, probably because of the increased mobility of the charges in such systems. The obtained stress relaxation curves had different functional forms, indicating that the relaxation has at least two characteristic times, which are different for different systems. In order to understand the molecular nature of the observed mechanical response, the temporal evolution of the network structure of a system showing a viscoelastic response with a very long relaxation time was studied; the aggregates were found to be dynamic, which leads to the relaxation of the "subchains" conformation.

Imaging a solvent‐swollen polymer gel network by open liquid transmission electron microscopy

AbstractVisualizing the network of a solvent‐swollen polymer gel remains problematic. To address this challenge, open transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was applied to thin gel films permeated by a nonvolatile ionic liquid. The targeted physical gels were prepared by cooling concentrated solutions of poly(ethylene glycol) in 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium ethyl sulfate [EMIM][EtSO4]. During the cooling, gelation occurred by a frustrated crystallization of the dissolved polymer, leading to a percolated, solvent‐permeated semicrystalline network in which nanoscale polymer crystals acted as crosslinks. Crystalline features ranging from ~5 to ~200 nm were observed, with the visible network strands dominantly consisting of long curvilinear crystallites of ~15–20 nm diameter. Nascent spherulites irregularly decorated the network, creating a complex structural hierarchy that complicated analyses. Lacking diffraction contrast, TEM did not visualize the many disordered, fully solvated PEG chains present in the voids between crystals. Recognizing that a network's three dimensionality is ambiguous when assessed through two‐dimensional microscopy projections, a small gel region was studied by TEM tomography, revealing a nearly isotropic three‐dimensional arrangement of the curvilinear crystallites, which displayed remarkably uniform cylindrical cross sections.

Ultra-low content physio-chemically crosslinked gelatin hydrogel improves encapsulated 3D cell culture

Gelatin-based hydrogels are extensively used for 3D cell culture, bioprinting, and tissue engineering due to their cell-adhesive nature and tunable physio-chemical properties. Gelatin hydrogels for 3D cell culture are often developed using high-gelatin content (frequently 10–15 % w/v) to ensure fast gelation and improved stability. While highly stable, such matrices restrict the growth of encapsulated cells due to creating a dense, restrictive environment around the encapsulated cells. Hydrogels with lower polymer content are known to improve 3D cell growth, yet fabrication of ultra-low concentration gelatin hydrogels is challenging while ensuring fast gelation and stability. Here, we demonstrate that physical gelation and photo-crosslinking in gelatin results in a fast-gelling hydrogel at a remarkably low gelatin concentration of 1 % w/v (GelPhy/Photo). The GelPhy/Photo hydrogel was highly stable, allowed uniform 3D distribution of cells, and significantly improved the spreading of encapsulated 3T3 fibroblast cells. Moreover, human cholangiocarcinoma (HuCCT-1) cells encapsulated in 1 % GelPhy/Photo matrix grew and self-assembled into epithelial cysts with lumen, which could not be achieved in a traditional high-concentration gelatin hydrogel. These findings pave the way to significantly improve existing gelatin hydrogels for 3D cell culture applications.

From Molecular Constraints to Macroscopic Dynamics in Associative Networks Formed by Ionizable Polymers: A Neutron Spin Echo and Molecular Dynamics Simulations Study.

The association of ionizable polymers strongly affects their motion in solutions, where the constraints arising from clustering of the ionizable groups alter the macroscopic dynamics. The interrelation between the motion on multiple length and time scales is fundamental to a broad range of complex fluids including physical networks, gels, and polymer-nanoparticle complexes where long-lived associations control their structure and dynamics. Using neutron spin echo and fully atomistic, multimillion atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations carried out to times comparable to that of chain segmental motion, the current study resolves the dynamics of networks formed by suflonated polystryene solutions for sulfonation fractions 0 ≤ f ≤ 0.09 across time and length scales. The experimental dynamic structure factors were measured and compared with computational ones, calculated from MD simulations, and analyzed in terms of a sum of two exponential functions, providing two distinctive time scales. These time constants capture confined motion of the network and fast dynamics of the highly solvated segments. A unique relationship between the polymer dynamics and the size and distribution of the ionic clusters was established and correlated with the number of polymer chains that participate in each cluster. The correlation of dynamics in associative complex fluids across time and length scales, enabled by combining the understanding attained from reciprocal space through neutron spin echo and real space, through large scale MD studies, addresses a fundamental long-standing challenge that underline the behavior of soft materials and affect their potential uses.