A new catanionic system associating amphiphilic carnosine (AlaHisC8) and lauric acid forms supramolecular hydrogel at very low concentration. This gel was investigated and we have checked the validity of the concept of hydrogels utilization to reduce boron leachability and to develop new wood protection treatments. Impregnation with 5% aqueous borax solution (w/w) and 0.3% gelator agent (w/w) allows to improve resistance of Scots pine sapwood subjected to water leaching towards the brown rot fungus Poria placenta, while samples treated with 5% aqueous borax solution were partially degraded by the fungus. These results clearly indicate the effectiveness of hydrogel to retain boron in wood.

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