Expert: Profile Closed - 10/10/2009

Question
I've been experiencing some difficulties in making a jello biphospholipid layer. I've noticed most jello will MELT in room temperature within a day and I am not sure what kind of gelatin I am looking for that will stay solid in room temperature (I heard its possible).

Answer
Hi, and thanks for your question.

We've never had any problems with Jello not setting; maybe it's the brand?

Jello will not melt at room temperature (in fact, it will decompose before it melts, at about 200 degrees centigrade, following the evaporation of the water content), but if the jelly is mostly water, then both osmosis and diffusion can cause the boundary layers to break down and the jelly will collapse in a puddle, looking like it has melted.

Try using a different brand, or doubling the manufacturer's recommended quantities of ingredients for each cupful- you need a stiff and dry jelly at the end of the curing process. Also, try making each layer separately and storing them in a fridge overnight before constructing the model.

Failing this, you may have to look for another material to model with; hard-setting dough or colored plaster maybe?

Good luck, let me know how it goes and best wishes.