One-Step Generation of Alginate-Based Hydrogel Foams Using CO2 for Simultaneous Foaming and Gelation

The reliable generation of hydrogel foams remains a challenge in a wide range of sectors, including food, cosmetic, agricultural, and medical applications. Using the example of calcium alginate foams, we introduce a novel foam generation method that uses CO2 for the simultaneous foaming and pH reduction of the alginate solution to trigger gelation. We show that gelled foams of different gas fractions can be generated in a simple one-step process. We macroscopically follow the acidification using a pH-responsive indicator and investigate the role of CO2 in foam ageing via foam stability measurements. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of interfacial rheology to provide evidence for the gelation process initiated by the dissolution of the CO2 from the dispersed phase. Both approaches, gas-initiated gelation and interfacial rheology for its characterization, can be readily transferred to other types of gases and formulations.