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Recent Advances in Biopolymer Gels
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Recent Advances in Biopolymer Gels

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 January 2025) | Viewed by 9696

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Luis Morales-Quintana

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Guest Editor
Multidisciplinary Agroindustry Research Laboratory, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 3467987, Chile
Interests: controlled release; drug-delivery; hydrogels; molecular dynamics simulations; nanoencapsulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is focused on the utilization of natural biopolymer gels such as chitosan, alginate, BHA, and cellulose. These gels are known for their low cost, biodegradability as environmentally friendly resources, and wide availability. Due to their remarkable affinity for contaminant compounds like heavy metal ions, toxins, organic solvents, and organic molecules, biopolymer gels are gaining increasing attention as renewable alternative feedstocks in the production of biopolymers as a possible solution to several environmental challenges. Additionally, this Special Issue will explore the diverse applications of biopolymer gels in the food industry. Macro- and nanoscale food-grade materials are commonly used to enhance food products. These materials serve various purposes, including for antimicrobial food packaging and targeted delivery of biomolecules, enzymes, and probiotics. They are versatile in their ability to modify food matrix structures and functional properties, playing roles as carriers and acting in target/multistage delivery, foam formation, biomolecule conjugation, gelling systems, and colloidal formation.

Dr. Luis Morales-Quintana
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

  • synthesis and characterization of biodegradable biopolymers
  • approaches for biodegradable biopolymers (wastewater treatment)
  • biodegradable biopolymeric with properties of detoxification, bioremediation, or bio-absorption
  • biopolymer gels in the food industry
  • biopolymer gels for controlled release

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 6392 KiB  
Article
Polymer Gels Based on PAMAM Dendrimers Functionalized with Caffeic Acid for Wound-Healing Applications
by Ricardo I. Castro, Wendy Donoso, Franko Restovic, Oscar Forero-Doria and Luis Guzman
Gels 2025, 11(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11010036 - 4 Jan 2025
Viewed by 394
Abstract
The wound-healing process has usually been related to therapeutic agents with antioxidant properties. Among them, caffeic acid, a cinnamic acid derivative, stands out. However, the use of this natural product is affected by its bioavailability and half-life. Nowadays, different approaches are being taken [...] Read more.
The wound-healing process has usually been related to therapeutic agents with antioxidant properties. Among them, caffeic acid, a cinnamic acid derivative, stands out. However, the use of this natural product is affected by its bioavailability and half-life. Nowadays, different approaches are being taken to improve the above-mentioned characteristics, as many active surface groups are present in polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers; without the need for extra cross-linking agents, physical gels are created by interactions such as hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, or π–π interactions based on the modification of the surface. One of these is functionalization with dendrimers, such as the poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) family. To evaluate the effectiveness of functionalizing caffeic acid with PAMAM dendrimers, the in vitro and in vivo wound-healing properties of gel-PAMAM G3 conjugated with caffeic acid (GPG3Ca) and its precursor, cinnamic acid (GPG3Cin), were studied. The results showed no cytotoxicity and wound-healing activity at a concentration of 20 μg/mL in HaCaT cells with the GPG3Ca. Additionally, the ability to activate molecular mediators of the healing process was evidenced. Furthermore, GPG3Ca potentiated the in vivo wound-healing process. The positive effects and lack of cytotoxicity at the used concentration of the synthesized GPG3Ca on the wound-healing process could position it as an effective agent for wound-healing treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biopolymer Gels)
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17 pages, 3903 KiB  
Article
Lilium candidum Extract Loaded in Alginate Hydrogel Beads for Chronic Wound Healing
by Ioana Bâldea, Maria-Loredana Soran, Adina Stegarescu, Ocsana Opriș, Irina Kacso, Septimiu Tripon, Alexandra Adascalitei, Iulian George Fericel, Roxana Decea and Ildiko Lung
Gels 2025, 11(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11010022 - 1 Jan 2025
Viewed by 483
Abstract
Chronic wounds are a major health problem, affecting millions of people worldwide. Resistance to treatment is frequently observed, requiring an extension of the wound healing time, and improper care can lead to more problems in patients. Smart wound dressings that provide a controlled [...] Read more.
Chronic wounds are a major health problem, affecting millions of people worldwide. Resistance to treatment is frequently observed, requiring an extension of the wound healing time, and improper care can lead to more problems in patients. Smart wound dressings that provide a controlled drug release can significantly improve the healing process. In this paper, alginate beads with white lily leaf extract were prepared and tested for chronic wound healing. The obtained beads were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Also, the efficiency of extract encapsulation in alginate was determined as being of. The obtained hydrogel was tested on two normal human cell lines, respectively, dermal fibroblasts (BJ-CRL-2522-ATCC) and endothelial cells (human umbilical vein endothelial cells—HUVEC 2). The longer release of bioactive compounds from plant extract loaded in the alginate hydrogel resulted in more effective wound closure, compared to the extract alone, and scar formation, compared to the alginate hydrogel. Therefore, the effect of the white lily extract in combination with that of sodium alginate hydrogel improves the biological activity of the alginate hydrogel and increases the wound healing properties of the alginate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biopolymer Gels)
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17 pages, 2038 KiB  
Article
Natrium Alginate and Graphene Nanoplatelets-Based Efficient Material for Resveratrol Delivery
by Cristina Mormile, Ocsana Opriș, Stefano Bellucci, Ildiko Lung, Irina Kacso, Alexandru Turza, Adina Stegarescu, Septimiu Tripon, Maria-Loredana Soran and Ioana Bâldea
Gels 2025, 11(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11010015 - 27 Dec 2024
Viewed by 355
Abstract
In this study, alginate-based composite beads were developed for the delivery of resveratrol, a compound with therapeutic potential. Two formulations were prepared: one with sodium alginate and resveratrol (AR) and another incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (AGR) to improve drug release control. The beads were [...] Read more.
In this study, alginate-based composite beads were developed for the delivery of resveratrol, a compound with therapeutic potential. Two formulations were prepared: one with sodium alginate and resveratrol (AR) and another incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (AGR) to improve drug release control. The beads were formed by exploiting alginate’s ability to gel via ionic cross-linking. For the AGR formulation, sodium alginate was dissolved in water, and graphene was dispersed in isopropyl alcohol to achieve smaller flakes. Resveratrol was dissolved in an ethanol/water mixture and added to the graphene dispersion; the resulting solution was mixed with the alginate one. For the AR formulation, the resveratrol solution was mixed directly with the alginate solution. Both formulations were introduced into a calcium chloride solution to form the beads. The release of resveratrol was studied in phosphate-buffered saline at different pH values. Results showed that the presence of graphene in the AGR sample increased drug release, particularly at pH 6.8, indicating a pH-driven release mechanism. Kinetic analysis revealed that the Higuchi model best describes the release mechanism. Finally, cytotoxicity tests showed the biocompatibility of the system in normal human cells. These findings suggest that graphene-enhanced alginate matrices have significant potential for controlled drug delivery applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biopolymer Gels)
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22 pages, 4853 KiB  
Article
Plant-Based Sunscreen Emulgel: UV Boosting Effect of Bilberry and Green Tea NaDES Extracts
by Milica Martinović, Ivana Nešić, Dragica Bojović, Ana Žugić, Slavica Blagojević, Stevan Blagojević and Vanja M. Tadić
Gels 2024, 10(12), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10120825 - 13 Dec 2024
Viewed by 776
Abstract
Natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) were employed for the extraction of bilberry and green tea leaves. This study explored the incorporation of these NaDES extracts into various carrier systems: hydrogels, emulsions, and emulgels stabilized with hydroxyethyl cellulose or xanthan gum. The results demonstrated [...] Read more.
Natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) were employed for the extraction of bilberry and green tea leaves. This study explored the incorporation of these NaDES extracts into various carrier systems: hydrogels, emulsions, and emulgels stabilized with hydroxyethyl cellulose or xanthan gum. The results demonstrated that, when combined with synthetic UV filters, the NaDES extracts significantly enhanced the SPF and improved the antioxidant properties of the formulation. Although NaDES extracts cannot fully replace synthetic UV filters (homosalate, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, and benzophenone-4), they can serve as effective UV boosters, significantly enhancing the SPFs of formulations containing UV filters. Hence, the SPF of the formulation could be improved without increasing the concentrations of synthetic filters. Moreover, NaDES extracts, unlike UV filters, significantly increased the antioxidant potential of the formulations. Among the carriers, hydrogels with xanthan gum and emulgels with hydroxyethyl cellulose achieved the highest SPFs when containing both NaDES extracts and synthetic filters. A texture analysis further revealed that the NaDES extracts positively impacted the mechanical properties of the formulations by increasing their cohesiveness, thus enhancing their physical stability under mechanical pressure. These findings pave the way for further research into NaDES-based formulations, including in vivo testing, to optimize and confirm their efficacy on human skin and validate NaDES extracts as eco-friendly ingredients in cosmetics, with antioxidant and UV boosting potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biopolymer Gels)
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12 pages, 1307 KiB  
Article
Development and Evaluation of the Acaricidal Activity of Xantan Gum-Based Hydrogel and Polymeric Nanoparticles Containing Achyrocline satureioides Extract
by Rafaela Regina Fantatto, Annelize Rodrigues Gomes, João Vitor Carvalho Constantini, Camila Fernanda Rodero, Marlus Chorilli, Ana Carolina de Souza Chagas, Ana Melero and Rosemeire Cristina Linhari Rodrigues Pietro
Gels 2024, 10(10), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10100658 - 14 Oct 2024
Viewed by 961
Abstract
The Rhipicephalus microplus tick causes enormous economic losses in livestock farming around the world. Despite several promising studies carried out with plant extracts such as Achyrocline satureioides against this ectoparasite, a major obstacle is related to pharmaceutical presentation forms. There is no study [...] Read more.
The Rhipicephalus microplus tick causes enormous economic losses in livestock farming around the world. Despite several promising studies carried out with plant extracts such as Achyrocline satureioides against this ectoparasite, a major obstacle is related to pharmaceutical presentation forms. There is no study showing xantan gum-based hydrogel and polycaprolactone nanoparticles containing A. satureioides extract against R. microplus larvae. The objective of this study was to incorporate A. satureioides extract to develop a nanoformulation (AScn) and a hydrogel (ASlh) and evaluate them against R. microplus larvae with the purpose of increasing the contact time of the extract with the larvae and improve the effectiveness. The ethanolic extracts were incorporated in polycaprolactone nanoparticles and characterized via analysis of the mean hydrodinamic diameter and polidispersity index. The xanthan gum-based hydrogel formulation was prepared with crude extract of A. satureioides 40 mg/mL, 0.25% xanthan gum, and 8% poloxamer, to determine the bioadhesiveness of the formulation in bovine leather and the flow rate of the formulation in the animal. The results in larvae demonstrated that when evaluated in the form of a hydrogel (ASlh), mortality was higher, with 91.48% mortality at a concentration of 20 mg/mL presenting itself as an interesting alternative for controlling this ectoparasite. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biopolymer Gels)
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19 pages, 2459 KiB  
Article
Alginate-Based Hydrogel Bead Reinforced with Montmorillonite Clay and Bacterial Cellulose-Activated Carbon as an Effective Adsorbent for Removing Dye from Aqueous Solution
by Muhammad Dody Isnaini, Bhawaranchat Vanichsetakul and Muenduen Phisalaphong
Gels 2024, 10(9), 597; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10090597 - 16 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1067
Abstract
According to environmental concerns related to water pollution, this study aims to develop a novel hydrogel bead as a biocompatible and efficient adsorbent by integrating bacterial cellulose-activated carbon (BCAC) and montmorillonite (MT) in alginate hydrogel (ALG). The ionotropic gelation method was applied to [...] Read more.
According to environmental concerns related to water pollution, this study aims to develop a novel hydrogel bead as a biocompatible and efficient adsorbent by integrating bacterial cellulose-activated carbon (BCAC) and montmorillonite (MT) in alginate hydrogel (ALG). The ionotropic gelation method was applied to the fabrication of BCAC/MT/ALG hydrogel beads. The BCAC/MT/ALG hydrogel bead exhibited significantly higher tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and thermal stability, with ~1.4 times higher adsorption uptake of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution as compared to the pristine ALG bead. The textural properties, including specific surface area and porosity, were beneficial to accommodate the size of cationic MB as the target molecule. This resulted in a remarkable MB adsorption uptake of 678.2 mg/g at pH 7 and 30 °C. The adsorption isotherm showed the best fit for the nonlinear Redlich-Peterson isotherm model. Experimental adsorption data were well-described by the pseudo-second order kinetic model, with R2 values reaching 0.997. In addition, the adsorbent bead demonstrated easy regeneration with high reusability with approximately 75% of MB removal after being used for six cycles. Therefore, BCAC/MT/ALG bead represents an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and highly efficient adsorbent for MB removal from water and could potentially be used for removal of a wide range of cationic dye pollutants from wastewater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biopolymer Gels)
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14 pages, 3700 KiB  
Article
The Inhibitory Impact of a Co-Assembly Gel with Natural Carrier-Free Binary Small Molecules, as Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, on the Viability of SW1990 Cells
by Xueqiang Nie, Sifan Liu, Qiongxue Huang, Haifeng Wu, Qingxia Zheng, Xudong Xu, Bowen Li, Guoxu Ma, Xiaolei Zhou, Shuchen Liu and Weijuan Gao
Gels 2024, 10(9), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10090569 - 31 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1235
Abstract
Chinese herbs are a huge treasure trove of natural products and an important source of many active molecules. The theory of traditional Chinese medicine compatibility (TCMC) is widely applied in clinical practice, but its mechanism is still ambiguous. This study aims to open [...] Read more.
Chinese herbs are a huge treasure trove of natural products and an important source of many active molecules. The theory of traditional Chinese medicine compatibility (TCMC) is widely applied in clinical practice, but its mechanism is still ambiguous. This study aims to open a new window for this predicament by studying the interaction between the main active ingredients from a drug pair. Carrier-free assembly of natural products improves the shortcomings of traditional nanodelivery systems and opens a new path for the development of new nanomaterials. The drug pair “Pueraria and Hedyotis diffusa” has been commonly used in clinical practice, with a predominant therapeutic effect. This study is devoted to the study of the binary small molecule co-assembly of the main active molecules from the drug pair. In this study, we introduce a carrier-free composite gel, formed by the co-assembly of puerarin (PUE) and deacetylasperulosidic acid (DAA) via non-covalent bonds including π–π packing, intermolecular hydrogen bonding, and C=O π interactions. With a strain point 7-fold higher than that of P gel, the P − D gel exhibited favorable rheological properties. The survival rate of SW1990 cells in the P − D group was only 21.39% when the concentration of administration reached 200 μM. It thus demonstrated activity in inhibiting SW1990 cells’ survival, suggesting potential in combating pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, this research offers a valuable concept for enhancing the mechanical properties and bioactivity of hydrogel materials through the utilization of a multi-component natural small molecule co-assembly approach. More importantly, this provides new ideas and methods for the treatment of pancreatic cancer and the analysis of traditional Chinese medicine compatibility theory. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biopolymer Gels)
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15 pages, 13251 KiB  
Article
The Controlled Release of Abscisic Acid (ABA) Utilizing Alginate–Chitosan Gel Blends: A Synergistic Approach for an Enhanced Small-Molecule Delivery Controller
by Oscar Valdes, Daniel Bustos, Luis Guzmán, Marcelo Muñoz-Vera, Gabriela Urra, Ricardo I. Castro and Luis Morales-Quintana
Gels 2024, 10(3), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10030185 - 8 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1636
Abstract
The integration of abscisic acid (ABA) into a chitosan–alginate gel blend unveils crucial insights into the formation and stability of these two substances. ABA, a key phytohormone in plant growth and stress responses, is strategically targeted for controlled release within these complexes. This [...] Read more.
The integration of abscisic acid (ABA) into a chitosan–alginate gel blend unveils crucial insights into the formation and stability of these two substances. ABA, a key phytohormone in plant growth and stress responses, is strategically targeted for controlled release within these complexes. This study investigates the design and characterization of this novel controlled-release system, showcasing the potential of alginate–chitosan gel blends in ABA delivery. Computational methods, including molecular dynamics simulations, are employed to analyze the structural effects of microencapsulation, offering valuable insights into complex behavior under varying conditions. This paper focuses on the controlled release of ABA from these complexes, highlighting its strategic importance in drug delivery systems and beyond. This controlled release enables targeted and regulated ABA delivery, with far-reaching implications for pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and plant stress response studies. While acknowledging context dependency, the paper suggests that the liberation or controlled release of ABA holds promise in applications, urging further research and experimentation to validate its utility across diverse fields. Overall, this work significantly contributes to understanding the characteristics and potential applications of chitosan–alginate complexes, marking a noteworthy advancement in the field of controlled-release systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biopolymer Gels)
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Review

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13 pages, 1308 KiB  
Review
Utilisation of High Molecular Weight and Ultra-High Molecular Weight Hyaluronan in Management of Glioblastoma
by Alex-Adrian Salagean, Cezara-Anca-Denisa Moldovan and Mark Slevin
Gels 2025, 11(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11010050 - 8 Jan 2025
Viewed by 507
Abstract
HA (hyaluronan) has been considered in recent years as a naturally occurring modifiable gel-like scaffold that has the capability to absorb and release drugs over an extended period of time making it suitable as a potential chemotherapeutic delivery agent. Considering the limited treatment [...] Read more.
HA (hyaluronan) has been considered in recent years as a naturally occurring modifiable gel-like scaffold that has the capability to absorb and release drugs over an extended period of time making it suitable as a potential chemotherapeutic delivery agent. Considering the limited treatment options available in the treatment of glioblastoma, in this review, we discuss the novel utilisation of ultra-high molecular weight HA—originally identified as a mechanism for maintaining longevity in the naked mole-rat—as both a protective and extracellular matrix-optimizing colloidal scaffold, and a means to deliver therapy in resected brain tumours. The unique properties of this unique form of HA cross-linked gel indicate potential future use in the prevention and treatment of both proliferative-based and inflammation-driven disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biopolymer Gels)
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Other

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9 pages, 2815 KiB  
Brief Report
An Adhesive Hydrogel Technology for Enhanced Cartilage Repair: A Preliminary Proof of Concept
by Peyman Karami, Robin Martin, Alexis Laurent, Hui Yin Nam, Virginie Philippe, Lee Ann Applegate and Dominique P. Pioletti
Gels 2024, 10(10), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10100657 - 14 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1493
Abstract
Knee cartilage has limited natural healing capacity, complicating the development of effective treatment plans. Current non-cell-based therapies (e.g., microfracture) result in poor repair cartilage mechanical properties, low durability, and suboptimal tissue integration. Advanced treatments, such as autologous chondrocyte implantation, face challenges including cell [...] Read more.
Knee cartilage has limited natural healing capacity, complicating the development of effective treatment plans. Current non-cell-based therapies (e.g., microfracture) result in poor repair cartilage mechanical properties, low durability, and suboptimal tissue integration. Advanced treatments, such as autologous chondrocyte implantation, face challenges including cell leakage and inhomogeneous distribution. Successful cell therapy relies on prolonged retention of therapeutic biologicals at the implantation site, yet the optimal integration of implanted material into the surrounding healthy tissue remains an unmet need. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a newly developed photo-curable adhesive hydrogel for cartilage repair, focusing on adhesion properties, integration performance, and ability to support tissue regeneration. The proposed hydrogel design exhibited significant adhesion strength, outperforming commercial adhesives such as fibrin-based glues. An in vivo goat model was used to evaluate the hydrogels’ adhesion properties and long-term integration into full-thickness cartilage defects over six months. Results showed that cell-free hydrogel-treated defects achieved superior integration with surrounding tissue and enhanced cartilage repair, with notable lateral integration. In vitro results further demonstrated high cell viability, robust matrix production, and successful cell encapsulation within the hydrogel matrix. These findings highlight the potential of adhesive hydrogel formulations to improve the efficacy of cell-based therapies, offering a potentially superior treatment for knee cartilage defects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biopolymer Gels)
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