Gels composed of two structurally similar components are prepared by first preparing separate pre-gel solutions of each component individually. For example, peptide-based gelators with a free carboxylic acid are suspended in deionised water and dissolved by addition of a predetermined volume of 0.1M NaOH. In most cases, one molar equivalent of NaOH is sufficient. After stirring overnight to ensure complete dissolution, the pH is adjusted to the required pH using 1 M NaOH. It is important that the concentration of these single component solutions are double the concentration required for each component in the multicomponent system.
The two solutions are then mixed at a 50:50 v/v ratio and left to stir for at least 2 hours to ensure complete mixing. The pH of the multicomponent solution must then be adjusted as mixing may result in changes to the pH. The multicomponent solution is then ready to be triggered using GdL or divalent cations.
Similar methods apply to solvent-triggered gels: each component is dissolved individually in the chosen solvent. These solutions are then mixed, ready for the addition of water. Concentrations and solvent volume will depend on system design.
Refer to the following publication for further details. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202215813.
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