Properties and Applications of Biomaterials Related to Gels

A special issue of Gels (ISSN 2310-2861). This special issue belongs to the section "Gel Analysis and Characterization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 35522

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School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
Interests: hydrogels; biomaterials; nanoparticles; tissue engineering
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Dear Colleagues,

As an excellent biopolymer material, gel has been widely used in drug delivery, tissue engineering, disease treatment, etc. By combining different polymers, through physical or chemical changes, the prepared hydrogels can show better performance and be used in various environments.

At present, the exploration of gels in biomedicine seems to be diversified. In order to adapt to the complex environment in the organism, higher requirements must put forward for the gel. Under the premise that the gel is biosafe, it must become tougher or more easily degradable according to the purpose of application, be able stay in the body for a long time to exert its effect, or be easily removed. Moreover, certain gels can even respond to changes in pH, temperature, biological indicators, or microorganisms in the body. We are interested in the intelligent properties of gels, and the condition in which these properties can be used to facilitate their applications is undoubtedly a question that researchers need to consider carefully.

We look forward to your unique insights into gel properties or applications. I hope to share the experimental and research results in this Special Issue and inspire new ideas for gel applications.

Dr. Shige Wang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • hydrogel
  • hemostasis
  • cell cryopreservation
  • drug delivery
  • wound dressing

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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31 pages, 10347 KiB  
Article
Levofloxacin HCl-Loaded Eudragit L-Based Solvent Exchange-Induced In Situ Forming Gel Using Monopropylene Glycol as a Solvent for Periodontitis Treatment
by Setthapong Senarat, Sarun Tuntarawongsa, Nutdanai Lertsuphotvanit, Catleya Rojviriya, Thawatchai Phaechamud and Takron Chantadee
Gels 2023, 9(7), 583; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9070583 - 18 Jul 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2019
Abstract
Solvent exchange-induced in situ forming gel (ISG) is currently an appealing dosage form for periodontitis treatment via localized injection into the periodontal pocket. This study aims to apply Eudragit L and Eudragit S as matrix components of ISG by using monopropylene glycol as [...] Read more.
Solvent exchange-induced in situ forming gel (ISG) is currently an appealing dosage form for periodontitis treatment via localized injection into the periodontal pocket. This study aims to apply Eudragit L and Eudragit S as matrix components of ISG by using monopropylene glycol as a solvent for loading levofloxacin HCl for periodontitis treatment. The influence of Eudragit concentration was investigated in terms of apparent viscosity, rheological behavior, injectability, gel-forming behavior, and mechanical properties. Eudragit L-based formulation presented less viscosity, was easier to inject, and could form more gel than Eudragit S-based ISG. Levofloxacin HCl-loading diminished the viscosity of Eudragit L-based formulation but did not significantly change the gel formation ability. Higher polymer loading increased viscosity, force-work of injectability, and hardness. SEM photographs and µCT images revealed their scaffold formation, which had a denser topographic structure and less porosity attained owing to higher polymer loading and less in vitro degradation. By tracking with fluorescence dyes, the interface interaction study revealed crucial information such as solvent movement ability and matrix formation of ISG. They prolonged the drug release for 14 days with fickian drug diffusion kinetics and increased the release amount above the MIC against test microbes. The 1% levofloxacin HCl and 15% Eudragit L dissolved in monopropylene glycol (LLM15) was a promising ISG because of its appropriate viscosity (3674.54 ± 188.03 cP) with Newtonian flow, acceptable gel formation and injectability (21.08 ± 1.38 N), hardness (33.81 ± 2.3 N) and prolonged drug release with efficient antimicrobial activities against S. aureus (ATCC 6538, 6532, and 25923), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) (S. aureus ATCC 4430), E. coli ATCC 8739, C. albicans ATCC 10231, P. gingivalis ATCC 33277, and A. actinomycetemcomitans ATCC 29522; thus, it is the potential ISG formulation for periodontitis treatment by localized periodontal pocket injection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Biomaterials Related to Gels)
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27 pages, 12220 KiB  
Article
Development and Evaluation of Nanoformulations Containing Timur Oil and Rosemary Oil for Treatment of Topical Fungal Infections
by Afeefa Noor, Shahid Jamil, Tariq Waece Sadeq, Muath Sheet Mohammed Ameen and Kanchan Kohli
Gels 2023, 9(7), 516; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9070516 - 26 Jun 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2556
Abstract
The pervasiveness of fungal infections is an issue for skin health globally, and there are a reported 40 million cases in developed and developing countries. Novel drug delivery systems provide better therapeutic efficacy over conventional drug therapy due to their lower side effects [...] Read more.
The pervasiveness of fungal infections is an issue for skin health globally, and there are a reported 40 million cases in developed and developing countries. Novel drug delivery systems provide better therapeutic efficacy over conventional drug therapy due to their lower side effects and toxicity. Furthermore, combinations of essential oils can represent alternative therapies for fungal infections that are resistant to synthetic drugs. This study is aimed at developing Timur oil into a nanoemulgel and evaluating its antifungal effects. The development of the formulation involved the preparation of a nanoemulsion by the titration method, followed by its evaluation for various physicochemical properties. The antifungal activity of the nanoemulgel against Candida albicans was evaluated. The zone of inhibition was determined using the disk diffusion method. The results show that the developed nanoemulgel has a particle size of 139 ± 6.11 nm, a PDI of 0.309, and a zeta potential of −19.12 ± 2.73 mV. An in vitro drug release study showed a sustained release of 70 ± 0.289% of the drug over a period of 24 h. The % drug permeation across the skin was found to be 79.11 ± 0.319% over 24 h. However, the amount of drug retained in the skin was 56.45 µg/g. The flux for the nanoemulgel was found to be 94.947 µg/cm2/h, indicating a better permeability profile. The nanoemulgel formulation showed a zone of inhibition of 15 ± 2.45 mm, whereas the 1% ketoconazole cream (marketed preparation) exhibited a zone of inhibition of 13 ± 2.13 mm. The results of this study suggest that developed nanoemulgel containing Timur oil and rosemary oil has the potential to be used for treating topical fungal infections caused by Candida albicans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Biomaterials Related to Gels)
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12 pages, 1108 KiB  
Article
New Biopharmaceutical Characteristics of In Situ Systems Based on Poloxamer 407
by Elena O. Bakhrushina, Elizaveta V. Novozhilova, Marina M. Shumkova, Victor S. Pyzhov, Maria S. Nikonenko, Alexander I. Bardakov, Natalia B. Demina, Ivan I. Krasnyuk, Jr. and Ivan I. Krasnyuk
Gels 2023, 9(7), 508; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9070508 - 21 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1847
Abstract
Thermosensitive systems based on poloxamer 407 are widely used in targeted drug delivery; however, the stability of the phase transition temperature remains insufficiently studied. This article presents the results of a study on the effect of adding polyethylene glycols (PEG) with different molecular [...] Read more.
Thermosensitive systems based on poloxamer 407 are widely used in targeted drug delivery; however, the stability of the phase transition temperature remains insufficiently studied. This article presents the results of a study on the effect of adding polyethylene glycols (PEG) with different molecular weights and some classical gel-forming polymers on the gelation temperature of thermoreversible compositions based on poloxamer 407 in a long-term experiment. The study showed a positive effect of PEG addition with average molecular weights at concentrations of 1.5–2.0%, as well as gelling agents at a concentration below the critical gelation concentration. The proposed rheological test for studying the samples’ adhesion can give an indirect forecast of the composition adhesive rate. Based on the conducted studies, three experimental binary systems based on poloxamer 407 were selected, with the addition of HPMC 0.5%, sodium alginate 0.5%, and PEG 1500 1.5%. These systems are the most promising for the further development of in situ targeted drug delivery systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Biomaterials Related to Gels)
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18 pages, 7015 KiB  
Article
Innovative Wound Healing Hydrogel Containing Chicken Feather Keratin and Soy Isoflavone Genistein: In Vivo Studies
by Nilesh M. Mahajan, Kalyani Wanaskar, Nemat Ali, Debarshi Kar Mahapatra, Muzaffar Iqbal, Abid R. Bhat and Mohammed Kaleem
Gels 2023, 9(6), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9060462 - 5 Jun 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2660
Abstract
The current study was performed to isolate keratin from chicken feathers with an intention to develop a keratin–genistein wound-healing hydrogel, along with its in vivo analysis. Pre-formulation aspects were analysed by using FTIR; SEM; HPTLC, while gel was characterized for gel strength, viscosity, [...] Read more.
The current study was performed to isolate keratin from chicken feathers with an intention to develop a keratin–genistein wound-healing hydrogel, along with its in vivo analysis. Pre-formulation aspects were analysed by using FTIR; SEM; HPTLC, while gel was characterized for gel strength, viscosity, spreadability, drug content, etc. Additionally, an in vivo study along with biochemical factors against pro-inflammatory factors and histopathological studies were conducted to determine possible wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effects. Pre-formulation studies revealed the presence of amide bonds with region of dense fibrous keratin and an internal porous network in extracted keratin, which corresponds with standard keratin. Evaluation of optimised keratin–genistein hydrogel indicated the development of neutral, non-sticky hydrogel which spread evenly on the skin. In vivo studies in rats indicate higher degrees of wound-healing in combined hydrogel (94.65%) for a duration of 14 days as compared to an individual hydrogel formulation with the development of the epidermis and excessive proliferation of fibrous connective tissue indicating wound repair. Furthermore, the hydrogel inhibited the overexpression of IL-6 gene along with other pro-inflammatory factors, indicating its anti-inflammatory effects. In order to find out the possibility of closure of wounds and anti-inflammatory properties of the novel product, an in vivo investigation into the healing of wounds in laboratory animals was carried out through biochemical (ELISA and qRT-PCR) analyses against inflammatory markers (IL-2, IL-6, IL-1, IL-10, and COX-2) and histopathological (liver, skin, and the kidneys) investigations. Based on the results, we conclude that keratin–genistein hydrogel is a promising therapeutic molecule for the management of wound repair. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Biomaterials Related to Gels)
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15 pages, 3558 KiB  
Article
Formulation of Intranasal Mucoadhesive Thermotriggered In Situ Gel Containing Mirtazapine as an Antidepressant Drug
by Mohammed Ghazwani, Rajalakshimi Vasudevan, Geetha Kandasamy, Naredla. Manusri, Praveen Devanandan, Ranadheer Chowdary Puvvada, Vinoth Prabhu Veeramani, Premalatha Paulsamy, Krishnaraju Venkatesan, Kumarappan Chidmabaram and Rajeshri Dhurke
Gels 2023, 9(6), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9060457 - 2 Jun 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3111
Abstract
The purpose of the present work was to develop nanoemulsion-based formulations of mirtazapine for intranasal delivery using a spray actuator to target the brain for treating depression. Research on the solubility of medications in different oils, surfactants, co-surfactants, and solvents has been done. [...] Read more.
The purpose of the present work was to develop nanoemulsion-based formulations of mirtazapine for intranasal delivery using a spray actuator to target the brain for treating depression. Research on the solubility of medications in different oils, surfactants, co-surfactants, and solvents has been done. Using pseudo-ternary phase diagrams, the various ratios of the surfactant and co-surfactant mix were computed. Thermotriggered nanoemulsion was formulated using different concentrations of poloxamer 407 (i.e., 15%, 15.5%, 16%, 16.5% up to 22%). Similarly, mucoadhesive nanoemulsion using 0.1% Carbopol and water-based plain nanoemulsions were also prepared for comparative assessment. The developed nanoemulsions were analyzed for physicochemical properties, i.e., physical appearance, pH, viscosity, and drug content. Drug-excipient incompatibility was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectral (FTIR) analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In vitro drug diffusion studies were conducted for optimized formulations. Among the three formulations, RD1 showed the highest percentage of drug release. Ex vivo drug diffusion studies were conducted on freshly excised sheep nasal mucosa with Franz diffusion cell simulated nasal fluid (SNF) for all three formulations up to 6 h, and the thermotriggered nanoemulsion (RD1) showed 71.42% drug release with 42.64 nm particle size and a poly dispersity index of 0.354. The zeta potential was found to be −6.58. Based on the above data, it was concluded that thermotriggered nanoemulsion (RD1) has great potential to be used as an intranasal gel for treating depression in patients. It can offer great benefits by reducing dosing frequency and improving bioavailability of mirtazapine by direct nose-to-brain delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Biomaterials Related to Gels)
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18 pages, 3431 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Characterization of Biocompatible Iron/Zirconium/Polydopamine/Carboxymethyl Chitosan Hydrogel with Fenton Catalytic Properties and Photothermal Efficacy
by Xiaoyi Zheng, Hang Wu, Shige Wang, Jiulong Zhao and Lianghao Hu
Gels 2023, 9(6), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9060452 - 31 May 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1959
Abstract
In recent years, multifunctional hydrogel nanoplatforms for the synergistic treatment of tumors have received a great deal of attention. Here, we prepared an iron/zirconium/polydopamine/carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel with Fenton and photothermal effects, promising for future use in the field of synergistic therapy and prevention [...] Read more.
In recent years, multifunctional hydrogel nanoplatforms for the synergistic treatment of tumors have received a great deal of attention. Here, we prepared an iron/zirconium/polydopamine/carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel with Fenton and photothermal effects, promising for future use in the field of synergistic therapy and prevention of tumor recurrence. The iron (Fe)–zirconium (Zr)@ polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple one-pot hydrothermal method using iron (III) chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3•6H2O), zirconium tetrachloride (ZrCl4), and dopamine, followed by activation of the carboxyl group of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) using 1-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC)/N(4)-hydroxycytidine (NHS). Finally, the Fe–Zr@PDA nanoparticles and the activated CMCS were mixed to form a hydrogel. On the one side, Fe ions can use hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) which is rich in the tumor microenvironment (TME) to produce toxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and kill tumor cells, and Zr can also enhance the Fenton effect; on the other side, the excellent photothermal conversion efficiency of the incorporated PDA is used to kill tumor cells under the irradiation of near-infrared light. The ability of Fe–Zr@PDA@CMCS hydrogel to produce •OH and the ability of photothermal conversion were verified in vitro, and swelling and degradation experiments confirmed the effective release and good degradation of this hydrogel in an acidic environment. The multifunctional hydrogel is biologically safe at both cellular and animal levels. Therefore, this hydrogel has a wide range of applications in the synergistic treatment of tumors and the prevention of recurrence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Biomaterials Related to Gels)
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21 pages, 5629 KiB  
Article
Quality-by-Design-Assisted Optimization of Carvacrol Oil-Loaded Niosomal Gel for Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy by Topical Route
by Mohammed Ghazwani, Umme Hani, Aftab Alam and Mohammed H. Alqarni
Gels 2023, 9(5), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9050401 - 10 May 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2208
Abstract
Niosomes are multilamellar vesicles that effectively transfer active ingredients into the skin’s layers. To improve the active substance’s penetration across the skin, these carriers are frequently utilized as topical drug delivery systems. Essential oils (EOs) have garnered significant interest in the field of [...] Read more.
Niosomes are multilamellar vesicles that effectively transfer active ingredients into the skin’s layers. To improve the active substance’s penetration across the skin, these carriers are frequently utilized as topical drug delivery systems. Essential oils (EOs) have garnered significant interest in the field of research and development owing to their various pharmacological activities, cost-effectiveness, and simple manufacturing techniques. However, these ingredients undergo degradation and oxidation over time, leading to a loss of functionality. Niosome formulations have been developed to deal with these challenges. The main goal of this work was to create a niosomal gel of carvacrol oil (CVC) to improve its penetration into the skin for anti-inflammatory actions and stability. By changing the ratio of drug, cholesterol and surfactant, various formulations of CVC niosomes were formulated using Box Behnken Design (BBD). A thin-film hydration technique using a rotary evaporator was employed for the development of niosomes. Following optimization, the CVC-loaded niosomes had shown: 180.23 nm, 0.265, −31.70 mV, and 90.61% of vesicle size, PDI, zeta potential, and EE%. An in vitro study on drug release discovered the rates of drug release for CVC-Ns and CVC suspension, which were found to be 70.24 ± 1.21 and 32.87 ± 1.03, respectively. The release of CVC from niosomes best fit the Higuchi model, and the Korsmeyer–Peppas model suggests that the release of the drug followed the non-Fickian diffusion. In a dermatokinetic investigation, niosome gel significantly increased CVC transport in the skin layers when compared to CVC–conventional formulation gel (CVC-CFG). Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) of rat skin exposed to the rhodamine B-loaded niosome formulation showed a deeper penetration of 25.0 µm compared to the hydroalcoholic rhodamine B solution (5.0 µm). Additionally, the CVC-N gel antioxidant activity was higher than that of free CVC. The formulation coded F4 was selected as the optimized formulation and then gelled with carbopol to improve its topical application. Niosomal gel underwent tests for pH determination, spreadability, texture analysis, and CLSM. Our findings imply that the niosomal gel formulations could represent a potential strategy for the topical delivery of CVC in the treatment of inflammatory disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Biomaterials Related to Gels)
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14 pages, 1772 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Characterization of Silymarin Gel: A Novel Topical Mucoadhesive Formulation for Potential Applicability in Oral Pathologies
by Divyambika Catakapatri Venugopal, Reshma Devi Senthilnathan, Saba Maanvizhi, Yasasve Madhavan, Sathasivasubramanian Sankarapandian, Vijayalakshmi Ramshankar and Mangathayaru Kalachaveedu
Gels 2023, 9(2), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9020139 - 7 Feb 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3227
Abstract
Silybum marianum has been used for centuries by herbalists and physicians to treat different forms of liver diseases. It contains flavonoid, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic and anticancer properties. The objective of this research was to develop a silymarin-based mucoadhesive gel for prolonged [...] Read more.
Silybum marianum has been used for centuries by herbalists and physicians to treat different forms of liver diseases. It contains flavonoid, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic and anticancer properties. The objective of this research was to develop a silymarin-based mucoadhesive gel for prolonged release in oral mucosa and to evaluate the same by using in vitro drug release kinetic models and ex vivo methods for drug permeation using chicken buccal mucosa. The mucoadhesive gel was formulated in different trials by varying the concentration of silymarin and polymer. Out of 10 formulation trials, the F10 optimized trial was characterized for in vitro physicochemical parameters such as pH, homogeneity, viscosity, stability, drug content, in vitro drug release, in vitro antioxidant assay and ex vivo permeation study. Trial 10 was chosen as the best trial formulation among the other trials and was marked as an optimal trial. The physicochemical properties observed were pH to be 6.4 ± 0.01, the gel free of lumps, spreadability of 23.75 ± 0.03 and drug content of 32.77 ± 0.20 mg/g. It had no physiological changes such as color shift or fluid exudate segregation after 6 months of storage at room temperature. In vitro drug release established the presence of a non-fickian mechanism and demonstrated dose-dependent antioxidant activity. Ex vivo findings indicated 21.97 ± 0.18% release, proving that the gel can permeate through the oral mucosal membrane. Our future research will concentrate on expanding the therapeutic scope by developing the formulation trial F10 to a nanoformulation and conducting clinical trials for its potential use in various oral diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Biomaterials Related to Gels)
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11 pages, 1579 KiB  
Communication
Delivery of B. subtilis into Animal Intestine Using Chitosan-Derived Bioresorbable Gel Carrier: Preliminary Results
by Alexander Samokhin, Anastasia Korel, Elena Blinova, Alexander Pestov, Galina Kalmykova, Nadezhda Akulova, Viktoria Betz, Vadim Tkachenko and Ekaterina Litvinova
Gels 2023, 9(2), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9020120 - 1 Feb 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1681
Abstract
The oral delivery of bacteria in the human intestine is of great interest because of its potential to correct the gut microbiota and treat inflammatory bowel diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate sodium N-(2-sulfonatoethyl)chitosan gel cross-linked with glutaraldehyde as a [...] Read more.
The oral delivery of bacteria in the human intestine is of great interest because of its potential to correct the gut microbiota and treat inflammatory bowel diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate sodium N-(2-sulfonatoethyl)chitosan gel cross-linked with glutaraldehyde as a delivery carrier for probiotic bacteria to the gut using in vitro and in vivo experiments. The bacterial test strain was B. subtilis 20. The cytotoxicity of the gel was evaluated via cell culture using flow cytometry and light microscopy. The gel as a delivery system was assessed by the dye release in medium with different pH levels in vitro, and by bacterial titer monitoring in mouse feces using the microbiology method in vivo. Results of an in vitro experiment showed that tested gel has no cytotoxicity. The use of gel as a carrier for bacterial delivery into the intestine was more effective than oral gavage of bacterial suspension. Therefore, gel delivery of bacteria decreased the titer level by up to two times. However, a gavage of bacterial suspension decreased the titer level by over 200 times. Tested gel has the potential to be a carrier for the safe delivery of bacteria to the intestine through the stomach, reducing the rate of the elimination of probiotic bacteria from the intestine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Biomaterials Related to Gels)
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20 pages, 5573 KiB  
Article
Babchi Oil-Based Nanoemulsion Hydrogel for the Management of Psoriasis: A Novel Energy Economic Approach Employing Biosurfactants
by Aftab Alam, Mohammed H. Alqarni, Ahmed I. Foudah, Mohammad Raish and Mohamad Ayman Salkini
Gels 2022, 8(12), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8120761 - 23 Nov 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2642
Abstract
The current research aimed to assess the Babchi oil nanoemulsion-based hydrogel prepared using biosurfactants through a low-energy emulsification process for the topical management of psoriasis. The emulsification capacity and solubilities of many nanoemulsion constituents such as surfactants, co-surfactants, and oil were considered to [...] Read more.
The current research aimed to assess the Babchi oil nanoemulsion-based hydrogel prepared using biosurfactants through a low-energy emulsification process for the topical management of psoriasis. The emulsification capacity and solubilities of many nanoemulsion constituents such as surfactants, co-surfactants, and oil were considered to determine the range of concentration of the constituents. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were created using the method of titration. Nanoemulgel structure, morphology, micromeritics, conductivity, and viscosity were all optimized. The assessment of the Babchi oil nanoemulgel included particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), drug content, pH, spreadability, rheological management, ex vivo drug study, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging ability, in vitro drug release, release kinetics, and dermatokinetics. The selected ratios of the surfactant mixture (Smix) taken were 3:1. The entrapment efficiency estimated was 91.298%. The zeta potential of Babchi oil was observed to be −24.93 mV at 25 °C with water as a dispersant, viscosity as 0.887 cP, and material absorption as 0.01 nm. The size distribution of the particle was 108 nm by the intensity and the conductivity observed was 0.03359 mS/cm. The cumulative amount of Babchi oil penetrated and fluxed by nanoemulgel was considered larger (p ≤ 0.05) than the conventional formulations. Skin retention was observed to be good with decreased lag time. The formulation followed the Higuchi Korsmeyer for Fickian Peppas model for in vitro drug release studies. The oil was most effective on the epidermal layer of the skin for treatment. It was established that the Babchi oil nanoemulgel formulation had superior permeability capabilities for topical and transdermal administration and is a viable alternative to traditional formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Biomaterials Related to Gels)
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Review

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26 pages, 846 KiB  
Review
State of the Art of Hydrogel Wound Dressings Developed by Ionizing Radiation
by Maria Demeter, Anca Scărișoreanu and Ion Călina
Gels 2023, 9(1), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9010055 - 10 Jan 2023
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4202
Abstract
The development of an ideal hydrogel wound dressing with excellent characteristics is currently a significant demand in wound therapy. The ideal hydrogel wound dressing must provide a moist environment between the wound and the dressing, promote wound healing, absorb excess exudate and toxins, [...] Read more.
The development of an ideal hydrogel wound dressing with excellent characteristics is currently a significant demand in wound therapy. The ideal hydrogel wound dressing must provide a moist environment between the wound and the dressing, promote wound healing, absorb excess exudate and toxins, be completely sterile, and not adhere to the wound. The evolution and current status of research on hydrogel wound dressings obtained exclusively through production by ionizing radiation are discussed in this paper review, along with the preparation methods, properties, standard characterization techniques, and their applications in wound dressing. First, we described the methods for synthesizing hydrogel wound dressings with ionizing radiation. Then, standard methods of characterization of hydrogel wound dressings such as gel fraction, swelling degree, sol–gel analysis, rheological properties, morphology, moisture retention capability, and water vapor transmission rate have been investigated. In the end, specific attention was paid to the drug release, antibacterial performance, and cytotoxicity of hydrogels. Moreover, the application of hydrogel in regenerative medicine as wound healing dressing was covered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Biomaterials Related to Gels)
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22 pages, 6903 KiB  
Review
Advances in Hemostatic Hydrogels That Can Adhere to Wet Surfaces
by Wenli Han and Shige Wang
Gels 2023, 9(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9010002 - 22 Dec 2022
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5606
Abstract
Currently, uncontrolled bleeding remains a serious problem in emergency, surgical and battlefield environments. Despite the specific properties of available hemostatic agents, sealants, and adhesives, effective hemostasis under wet and dynamic conditions remains a challenge. In recent years, polymeric hydrogels with excellent hemostatic properties [...] Read more.
Currently, uncontrolled bleeding remains a serious problem in emergency, surgical and battlefield environments. Despite the specific properties of available hemostatic agents, sealants, and adhesives, effective hemostasis under wet and dynamic conditions remains a challenge. In recent years, polymeric hydrogels with excellent hemostatic properties have received much attention because of their adjustable mechanical properties, high porosity, and biocompatibility. In this review, to investigate the role of hydrogels in hemostasis, the mechanisms of hydrogel hemostasis and adhesion are firstly elucidated, the adhesion design strategies of hemostatic hydrogels in wet environments are briefly introduced, and then, based on a comprehensive literature review, the studies and in vivo applications of wet-adhesive hemostatic hydrogels in different environments are summarized, and the improvement directions of such hydrogels in future studies are proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Biomaterials Related to Gels)
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