Editing Gel (section)

===Organogels===
{{See also|Organogels}}

An '''organogel''' is a [[crystallinity|non-crystalline]], [[glass|non-glassy]] thermoreversible ([[thermoplastic]]) solid material composed of a [[liquid]] [[organic compound|organic]] phase entrapped in a three-dimensionally cross-linked network. The liquid can be, for example, an [[organic solvent]], [[mineral oil]], or [[vegetable oil]]. The [[solubility]] and [[wikt:Particle|particle]] dimensions of the structurant are important characteristics for the [[Elasticity (physics)|elastic]] properties and firmness of the organogel. Often, these systems are based on [[self-assembly]] of the structurant molecules.<ref>Terech P. (1997) "Low-molecular weight organogelators", pp. 208–268 in: Robb I.D. (ed.) ''Specialist surfactants''. Glasgow: Blackie Academic and Professional, {{ISBN|0751403407}}.</ref><ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Van Esch J, Schoonbeek F, De Loos M, Veen EM, Kellogg RM, Feringa BL | date =  1999 | chapter = Low molecular weight gelators for organic solvents | pages = 233–259 | veditors = Ungaro R, Dalcanale E | title = Supramolecular science: where it is and where it is going | publisher = Kluwer Academic Publishers | isbn = 079235656X}}</ref> (An example of formation of an undesired thermoreversible network is the occurrence of wax crystallization in [[petroleum]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Visintin RF, Lapasin R, Vignati E, D'Antona P, Lockhart TP | title = Rheological behavior and structural interpretation of waxy crude oil gels | journal = Langmuir | volume = 21 | issue = 14 | pages = 6240–9 | date = July 2005 | pmid = 15982026 | doi = 10.1021/la050705k }}</ref>)

Organogels have potential for use in a number of applications, such as in [[pharmaceutics|pharmaceuticals]],<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kumar R, Katare OP | title = Lecithin organogels as a potential phospholipid-structured system for topical drug delivery: a review | journal = AAPS PharmSciTech | volume = 6 | issue = 2 | pages = E298-310 | date = October 2005 | pmid = 16353989 | pmc = 2750543 | doi = 10.1208/pt060240 }}</ref> cosmetics, art conservation,<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Carretti E, Dei L, Weiss RG |doi=10.1039/B501033K|title=Soft matter and art conservation. Rheoreversible gels and beyond|year=2005|journal=Soft Matter|volume=1|issue=1|pages=17 |bibcode = 2005SMat....1...17C }}</ref> and food.<ref>{{cite journal|vauthors=Pernetti M, van Malssen KF, Flöter E, Bot A |doi=10.1016/j.cocis.2007.07.002|title=Structuring of edible oils by alternatives to crystalline fat|year=2007|journal=Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science|volume=12|issue=4–5|pages=221–231}}</ref>