Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.7
5.0
Journals
Gels
Special Issues
Advanced Gels for Wound Healing
share announcement

Advanced Gels for Wound Healing

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (23 August 2024) | Viewed by 11096

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Ansha Zhao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
Interests: cardiovascular materials; 3D printing; smart coatings; biochips; hydrogel

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advanced gels can be used as a medical dressing designed to promote the healing of wounds by providing a moist environment that facilitates the growth of new tissue. These gels typically contain active ingredients, such as growth factors, antimicrobial agents, and extracellular matrix components, that help to stimulate cell proliferation and migration, reduce inflammation, and prevent infections. Advanced gels can be used to treat a wide range of wounds, including burns, pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and surgical wounds. They offer several advantages over traditional wound dressings, including improved healing rates, reduced scarring, and increased patient comfort. In this sense, advanced gels may represent a promising regenerative material with multiple wound healing functions. Thus, this Special Issue aims to address studies on the development, characterization, and biological evaluation of hydrogel dressings. Potential new uses and novel formulations of hydrogel compounds are welcome, mainly exploring the use of biodegradable and biocompatible materials.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following: the design and manufacture of hydrogel with a special function (environmental response; adhesion ability; drug eluting) and various biological applications of hydrogel (anticoagulation; anti-infection; anti-inflammation; tissue regeneration).

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Ansha Zhao
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Gels is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • hydrogel dressing
  • wound healing
  • antiinfection
  • drug releasing
  • inflammation regulation
  • anticoagulation

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

17 pages, 2810 KiB  
Article
Development and Investigation of a Nanoemulgel Formulated from Tunisian Opuntia ficus-indica L. Seed Oil for Enhanced Wound Healing Activity
by Badr Bahloul, Enis Ben Bnina, Dorra Dridi, Aya Bouhamed, Luis Castillo Henríquez, Guido Flamini and José Roberto Vega-Baudrit
Gels 2024, 10(9), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10090582 - 9 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1133
Abstract
The aim of this study is to develop a nanoemulgel encapsulating a Tunisian Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) seed oil (PPSO) to assess, for the first time, the in vivo efficacy of this nanoformulation on wound healing. Phytocompounds of this oil have [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to develop a nanoemulgel encapsulating a Tunisian Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) seed oil (PPSO) to assess, for the first time, the in vivo efficacy of this nanoformulation on wound healing. Phytocompounds of this oil have been reported in the literature as having powerful pharmacological activities. However, it remains poorly exploited due to low bioavailability. A nanoemulsion (NE) was designed by determining the required hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) and subsequently characterized. The mean droplet size was measured at 56.46 ± 1.12 nm, with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.23 ± 0.01 using dynamic light scattering. The zeta potential was −31.4 ± 1.4 mV, and the morphology was confirmed and assessed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These characteristics align with the typical properties of nanoemulsions. The gelification process resulted in the formation of a nanoemulgel from the optimum nanoemulsion. The high wound healing efficiency of the nanoemulgel was confirmed compared to that of a medicinally marketed cream. The outcomes of this research contribute valuable insights, for the first time, into the potential therapeutic applications of PPSO and its innovative pharmaceutical formulation for wound healing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Gels for Wound Healing)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 1825 KiB  
Article
Manufacture and Initial Characterisation of RAPIDTM Biodynamic Haematogel, an Autologous Platelet and Leukocyte-Rich Plasma Gel for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
by Aleksandra Olszewska, Jiajing Duan, Jana Javorovic, K. L. Andrew Chan, James Rickard, Simon Pitchford and Ben Forbes
Gels 2024, 10(9), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10090572 - 2 Sep 2024
Viewed by 904
Abstract
This observational study reports the process for the manufacture of RAPIDTM Biodynamic Haematogel and explores the properties of the platelet and leukocyte-rich plasma gels formed. Gels were manufactured from 60 mL of human blood using the protocol of Biotherapy Services. Platelet and [...] Read more.
This observational study reports the process for the manufacture of RAPIDTM Biodynamic Haematogel and explores the properties of the platelet and leukocyte-rich plasma gels formed. Gels were manufactured from 60 mL of human blood using the protocol of Biotherapy Services. Platelet and leukocyte content, time-to-gel, gel weight and the temporal profile of liquid exudation from the gels were measured, along with the content of growth factors VEGF and PDGF in the releasate. The effect of the releasate on human keratinocyte (HaCat) cell proliferation was also determined. The platelet and leukocyte concentrations in donor blood were 1.60–8.10 × 108 and 1.00 × 106–2.00 × 107 cells/mL, which were concentrated 2.67- and 1.12-fold, respectively, during processing. Structurally weak gels were formed which exuded a clear liquid releasate (77.4% w/w of gel weight over 60 min) that contained 278 pg/mL VEGF and 1319 pg/mL PDGF. The releasate produced concentration-dependent proliferation of HaCat cells: 5–15% releasate produced a 2.7–8.9-fold increase in growth over 48 h. In conclusion, we have described the point-of-care manufacturing protocol and characterised the gel properties of RAPIDTM Biodynamic Haematogel. This is an essential first step towards identifying, understanding and controlling critical processing parameters that impact on this medicinal product’s quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Gels for Wound Healing)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 3778 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Wound-Healing Potential of a Nanoemulsion–Gel Formulation of Pituranthos tortuosus Essential Oil
by Badr Bahloul, Enis Ben Bnina, Assia Hamdi, Luis Castillo Henríquez, Dhaou Baccar, Nesrine Kalboussi, Aïmen Abbassi, Nathalie Mignet, Guido Flamini and José Roberto Vega-Baudrit
Gels 2024, 10(3), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10030155 - 20 Feb 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2133
Abstract
This study explores a nanoemulsion (NE)-based gel incorporating Tunisian Pituranthos tortuosus essential oil, with a focus on its wound-healing potential. The essential oil, extracted via hydrodistillation, underwent GC-MS analysis for compositional verification. The physicochemical characterization included dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy [...] Read more.
This study explores a nanoemulsion (NE)-based gel incorporating Tunisian Pituranthos tortuosus essential oil, with a focus on its wound-healing potential. The essential oil, extracted via hydrodistillation, underwent GC-MS analysis for compositional verification. The physicochemical characterization included dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential measurement, pH, and viscosity. The gelification of the NE facilitated topical application. The results revealed an average extraction yield of 0.45% and identified 38 compounds in the essential oil. The NE exhibited a particle size of 27 ± 0.4 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.3, and a zeta potential of −22.8 ± 1.4 mV. The stability of the gelified preparation was confirmed through thermodynamic stability studies, TEM observations, and zeta and size results. In vivo experiments confirmed significant wound-healing effects, highlighting the promising role of the NE-based gel in healthcare advancements. This research underscores the potential of novel phyto-based delivery systems in wound care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Gels for Wound Healing)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 1864 KiB  
Article
Toxicological Profile and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Mucoadhesive Gel from Residues of Agave sisalana and Punica granatum
by Júlia Amanda Rodrigues Fracasso, Ingrid Yuri Galindo Sikina, Luísa Taynara Silvério da Costa, Lucas Pires Guarnier, João Tadeu Ribeiro-Paes, Fernando Yutaka de Ferreira, Luan Victor Coelho de Almeida, Beatriz de Castro Silva, Débora de Barros Barbosa, Valdecir Farias Ximenes, Desirre Venkli, Amanda Martins Viel and Lucinéia dos Santos
Gels 2023, 9(12), 942; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9120942 - 30 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1563
Abstract
Inflammation is a natural protective reaction of the body against endogenous and exogenous damage, such as tissue injuries, trauma, and infections. Thus, when the response is adequate, inflammation becomes a defense mechanism to repair damaged tissue, whereas when the response is inadequate and [...] Read more.
Inflammation is a natural protective reaction of the body against endogenous and exogenous damage, such as tissue injuries, trauma, and infections. Thus, when the response is adequate, inflammation becomes a defense mechanism to repair damaged tissue, whereas when the response is inadequate and persistent, the increase in inflammatory cells, cytosines, and chymosins impair tissue regeneration and promote a response harmful to the organism. One example is chronic tissue inflammation, in which a simple lesion can progress to ulcers and even necrosis. In this situation, the anti-inflammatory medications available in therapy are not always effective. For this reason, the search for new treatments, developed from medicinal plants, has increased. In this direction, the plants Agave sisalana (sisal) and Punica granatum (pomegranate) are rich in saponins, which are secondary metabolites known for their therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory effects. Although Brazil is the world’s leading sisal producer, approximately 95% of the leaves are discarded after fiber extraction. Similarly, pomegranate peel waste is abundant in Brazil. To address the need for safe and effective anti-inflammatory treatments, this study aimed to create a topical mucoadhesive gel containing a combination of sisal (RS) and pomegranate residue (PR) extracts. In vitro experiments examined isolated and combined extracts, as well as the resulting formulation, focusing on (1) a phytochemical analysis (total saponin content); (2) cytotoxicity (MTT assay); and (3) a pharmacological assessment of anti-inflammatory activity (phagocytosis, macrophage spreading, and membrane stability). The results revealed saponin concentrations in grams per 100 g of dry extract as follows: SR—29.91 ± 0.33, PR—15.83 ± 0.93, association (A)—22.99 ± 0.01, base gel (G1)—0.00 ± 0.00, and association gel (G2)—0.52 ± 0.05. In MTT tests for isolated extracts, cytotoxicity values (µg/mL) were 3757.00 for SR and 2064.91 for PR. Conversely, A and G2 exhibited no cytotoxicity, with increased cell viability over time. All three anti-inflammatory tests confirmed the presence of this activity in SR, PR, and A. Notably, G2 demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect comparable to dexamethasone. In conclusion, the gel containing SR and PR (i.e., A) holds promise as a novel herbal anti-inflammatory treatment. Its development could yield economic, social, and environmental benefits by utilizing discarded materials in Brazil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Gels for Wound Healing)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1942 KiB  
Article
Development and Characterization of Econazole Topical Gel
by Mohammad F. Bayan, Balakumar Chandrasekaran and Mohammad H. Alyami
Gels 2023, 9(12), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9120929 - 25 Nov 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2981
Abstract
The purpose of this work was to develop a novel topical formulation of econazole nitrate based on gel that can be easily scaled up in one pot for the potential treatment of fungal and yeast infections. Econazole nitrate, a topical antifungal, is used [...] Read more.
The purpose of this work was to develop a novel topical formulation of econazole nitrate based on gel that can be easily scaled up in one pot for the potential treatment of fungal and yeast infections. Econazole nitrate, a topical antifungal, is used to treat tinea versicolor, tinea pedis, and tinea cruris. Compared to applying cream or ointment, topical gels offer numerous advantages, one of which is that the drug is released more quickly to the intended site of action. A viscous mixture of propylene glycol, Capmul® MCM C8, methyl and propyl paraben, and econazole nitrate were mixed together before being formulated into the optimized Carbopol® gel bases. The gel’s color, appearance, and homogeneity were assessed visually. For every formulation, the drug content, pH, viscosity, spreadability, and gel strength were characterized. The cup plate diffusion method was used to evaluate the anti-fungal activity of the prepared formulations. To assess the behavior of the developed system, studies on in vitro release and mechanism were conducted. The manufactured formulations were transparent, pale yellow, and exhibited excellent homogeneity. The pH of each formulation was roughly 6.0, making them suitable for topical use. The concentration of Carbopol® 940 resulted in a significant increase in viscosity and gel strength but a significant decrease in spreadability. It was demonstrated that the prepared formulations inhibited the growth of Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. In contrast, the standard blank gel showed no signs of antifungal action. By increasing the concentration of Carbopol® 940, the in vitro release profile of econazole nitrate significantly decreased. Following the Korsmeyer–Peppas model fitting, all formulations exhibited n values greater than 0.5 and less than 1, indicating that diffusion and gel swelling control econazole nitrate release. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Gels for Wound Healing)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 6731 KiB  
Article
Effect of Blood Gel Derivatives on Wound Healing in Mouse Injured Tissue Models
by Tuyet Thi Vi Le, Hoang Minh Lam, My Thi Ngoc Nguyen, Nghia Thi Hieu Phan, Trang Nguyen Khanh Huynh, Hien Nguyen Trong Le, Chau Thi Hai Pham, Van Kim Hoang Tang, Trang Thi Thuy Hoang, Tuyet Thi Diem Hoang and Ha Le Bao Tran
Gels 2023, 9(10), 785; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9100785 - 28 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1523
Abstract
Several previous studies in the field of assisted reproduction have focused on the use of blood gel derivatives, such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), as a treatment for endometrial rehabilitation. However, the ability to release growth factors and the gel form of this product [...] Read more.
Several previous studies in the field of assisted reproduction have focused on the use of blood gel derivatives, such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), as a treatment for endometrial rehabilitation. However, the ability to release growth factors and the gel form of this product led to the evolution of platelet lysates. In this study, blood gel derivatives, including PRF lysate, which was in liquid form, and PRF gel, were collected and evaluated for growth factors. It was shown to be effective in endometrial wound healing and regeneration in mouse injured uterine tissue models through structure and function (pinopode expression, embryo implantation) evaluation. The results demonstrated that the concentrations of growth factors, including PDGF-AB and VEGF-A, were higher in the PRF lysate compared to the PRF gel (p < 0.05). PRF lysate could release these growth factors for 8 days. Furthermore, both PRF gel and PRF lysate restored the morphology of injured endometrial tissues in terms of luminal and glandular epithelia, as well as uterine gland secretory activity. However, the presence of pinopodes and embryonic implantation were only observed in the PRF lysate group. It can be concluded that PRF lysate promotes wound healing in mouse injured tissue models in vitro, which can act as healing products in tissue repair. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Gels for Wound Healing)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop