INFORM February 2026

24 INFORM FEBRUARY 2026 , VOL. 37, NO. 2

mannitol dioctanoate (M8) and sorbitol dioctanoate (S8) in good yields. The fatty chains in these gelators provide the hydrophobic component and the sugar alcohol core supplies hydrogen bonding sites, enabling self-assembly both in oils and at oil–water interfaces. Our study aimed to investigate the influence of these molecules’ stereochemistry on their self-assembly in oils and at the oil-water interface. We examined cytotoxicity, minimum gelation concentration (MGC), morphology via optical microscopy, molecular packing using X-ray diffraction (XRD), gel strength through rheology, and emulsion stability. Together, these analyses provide insight into how stereochemical differences govern the self assembly and functional performance of these sugar based stereoisomeric gelators. CYTOTOXICITY STUDIES Vegetable oils structured into solid fats through fatty acids are important ingredients for the food industry, influencing flavor, texture and overall stability. However, increasing the amount of saturated and trans fats to achieve desirable structuring poses significant health concerns. This has created a pressing need for healthier alternatives to develop solid fat. Oleogelation, which transforms liquid oils into semi-solid gels using suitable gelators, offers

a) MGC (%w/v)

b) T g (° C)

c) G’ (Pa)

d) Photographs M8 S8

M8 S8 M8 S8 e) Optical microscope images

M8

M8

opaque

50 µm

S8

S8

translucent 50 µm Efficiency of M8 and S8 gels in canola oil, shown in a) MGC b) T g and c) G ′ . Photographs d) illustrate the opacity and optical microscope images e) reveal the 3D fibrous networks of these gels.