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Gels
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Advanced Hydrogels: Preparation, Property and Biomedical Application (2nd Edition)
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Advanced Hydrogels: Preparation, Property and Biomedical Application (2nd Edition)

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 13507

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Weifeng Lin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
Interests: biolubrication; biomaterials; hydrogels
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Longgang Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China
Interests: nanoparticles; catalyst; antitumor; detection; peroxidase; polysaccharide; biocompatibility; micelle; zwitterionic; green chemistry; dendrimer; polymer; noble metal nanoparticles; nanozyme; drug delivery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are grateful to all authors, reviewers, and readers for their responses to the first volume of our Special Issue, entitled “Advanced Hydrogels: Preparation, Property, and Biomedical Application”. You can access these articles for free via the link:

Advanced Hydrogels: Preparation, Property, and Biomedical Application (1st Edition)

Hydrogels are physically or chemically crosslinked three-dimensional networks. Due to the variety of monomer and crosslinker types, these hydrogels exhibit extraordinary properties, including high water content, porosity, and flexibility, leading to their extensive use in biomedical applications. They are of great interest in biocompatible implant devices, biosensors, drug delivery systems, wound care, and many other applications.

In the second volume of the Special Issue, we welcome original research articles, comprehensive reviews, short communications, and perspectives, with topics addressing—but not limited to—the key findings and contributions on advanced hydrogels, including preparation methods, characterization, and biomedical applications.

Prof. Dr. Weifeng Lin
Dr. Longgang Wang
Guest Editors

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

  • zwitterionic hydrogels
  • nanogels
  • composite hydrogels
  • double network hydrogels
  • antifouling
  • wound healing
  • lubrication
  • mechanical properties
  • implants

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 4502 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Investigation of Novel Peptide Hydrogels for Enamel Remineralization
by Codruta Sarosi, Alexandrina Muntean, Stanca Cuc, Ioan Petean, Sonia Balint, Marioara Moldovan and Aurel George Mohan
Gels 2025, 11(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11010011 - 27 Dec 2024
Viewed by 458
Abstract
This study investigates the microstructure of dental enamel following demineralization and re-mineralization processes, using DIAGNOdent scores and images obtained via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and microhardness (Vickers). The research evaluates the effects of two experimental hydrogels, Anti-Amelogenin isoform X [...] Read more.
This study investigates the microstructure of dental enamel following demineralization and re-mineralization processes, using DIAGNOdent scores and images obtained via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and microhardness (Vickers). The research evaluates the effects of two experimental hydrogels, Anti-Amelogenin isoform X (ABT260, S1) and Anti-Kallikrein L1 (K3014, S2), applied to demineralized enamel surfaces over periods of 14 and 21 days. The study involved 60 extracted teeth, free from cavities or other lesions, divided into four groups: a positive group (+), a negative group (−) and groups S1 and S2. The last three groups underwent demineralization with 37% phosphoric acid for 20 min. The negative group (−) was without remineralization treatment. The DIAGNOdent scores indicate that the S1 group treated with Anti-Amelogenin is more effective in remineralizing the enamel surface compared to the S2 group treated with Anti-Kallikrein. These findings were corroborated by SEM and AFM images, which revealed elongated hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles integrated into the demineralized structures. Demineralization reduced enamel microhardness to about 1/3 of a healthy one. Both tested hydrogels restored enamel hardness, with S1 being more effective than S2. Both peptides facilitated the interaction between the newly added minerals and residual protein binders on the enamel surface, thereby contributing to effective enamel restoration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Hydrogels: Preparation, Property and Biomedical Application (2nd Edition))
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23 pages, 10821 KiB  
Article
Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Drug and PVA–Drug–Surfactant Complex Organogel with Dimethyl Sulfoxide as a Drug Delivery System
by Sabina Otarbayeva and Dmitriy Berillo
Gels 2024, 10(11), 753; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10110753 - 20 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1217
Abstract
The relevance of active research lies in the need to develop new technologies to improve drug delivery methods for the effective treatment of wound healing. Additionally, the potential application of organogels in other areas of biomedicine, such as creating medical patches with controlled [...] Read more.
The relevance of active research lies in the need to develop new technologies to improve drug delivery methods for the effective treatment of wound healing. Additionally, the potential application of organogels in other areas of biomedicine, such as creating medical patches with controlled drug delivery, indicates a wide range of possibilities for using this technology. This study focuses on developing controlled drug delivery systems using organogels as carriers for ceftriaxone and ofloxacin. By selecting optimal formulations, organogels were created to immobilize the drugs, facilitating their effective and sustained release. The swelling behavior of the hydrogels was studied, showing a swelling coefficient between 16 and 32%, indicating their ability to absorb liquid relative to their weight. Drug release studies demonstrated that ceftriaxone was released 1.8 times slower than ofloxacin, ensuring a more controlled delivery. Microbiological tests confirmed that the organogels containing ofloxacin exhibited antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. However, it was a challenge to estimate activity for the model antibiotic ceftriaxone due to bacterial resistance to it. Organogel poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-DMSO–alginate modifications with surfactant cetylpyridinium bromide led to the formation of a polyelectrolyte complex on the interphase, allowing further enhanced the prolonged release of the drugs. The research identified that the optimal compositions for sustained drug release were organogels with compositions PVA (10%)-PVP (1%) DMSO (50%) and PVA (10%)-DMSO (50%) formulations, illustrating the transparent nature of these organogels making them suitable for ophthalmological application. Various organogels compositions (PVA-DMSO, PVA-poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-DMSO, PVA-DMSO–alginate, PVA-DMSO-PLGA, PVA-DMSO–drug–surfactant) loaded with ceftriaxone, ofloxacin, and surfactant were prepared and characterized, highlighting their potential use in antibiotic patches for wound healing. These organogels illustrate promising results for localized treatment of infections in wounds, cuts, burns, and other skin lesions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Hydrogels: Preparation, Property and Biomedical Application (2nd Edition))
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17 pages, 8092 KiB  
Article
Rheological Characterization of Three-Dimensional Neuronal Cultures Embedded in PEGylated Fibrin Hydrogels
by Clara F. López-León, Jordi Soriano and Ramon Planet
Gels 2023, 9(8), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9080642 - 9 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1686
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) neuronal cultures are valuable models for studying brain complexity in vitro, and the choice of the bulk material in which the neurons grow is a crucial factor in establishing successful cultures. Indeed, neuronal development and network functionality are influenced by the [...] Read more.
Three-dimensional (3D) neuronal cultures are valuable models for studying brain complexity in vitro, and the choice of the bulk material in which the neurons grow is a crucial factor in establishing successful cultures. Indeed, neuronal development and network functionality are influenced by the mechanical properties of the selected material; in turn, these properties may change due to neuron–matrix interactions that alter the microstructure of the material. To advance our understanding of the interplay between neurons and their environment, here we utilized a PEGylated fibrin hydrogel as a scaffold for mouse primary neuronal cultures and carried out a rheological characterization of the scaffold over a three-week period, both with and without cells. We observed that the hydrogels exhibited an elastic response that could be described in terms of the Young’s modulus E. The hydrogels without neurons procured a stable E≃420 Pa, while the neuron-laden hydrogels showed a higher E≃590 Pa during the early stages of development that decreased to E≃340 Pa at maturer stages. Our results suggest that neurons and their processes dynamically modify the hydrogel structure during development, potentially compromising both the stability of the material and the functional traits of the developing neuronal network. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Hydrogels: Preparation, Property and Biomedical Application (2nd Edition))
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Review

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77 pages, 13814 KiB  
Review
Advances in Chitosan Derivatives: Preparation, Properties and Applications in Pharmacy and Medicine
by Dominika Žigrayová, Veronika Mikušová and Peter Mikuš
Gels 2024, 10(11), 701; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10110701 - 29 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2071
Abstract
Chitosan (CS) derivatives have been extensively investigated to enhance the physicochemical and biological properties of CS, such as its solubility, biocompatibility, and bioactivity, which are required in various areas of pharmacy and medicine. The present work emphasizes the ongoing research and development in [...] Read more.
Chitosan (CS) derivatives have been extensively investigated to enhance the physicochemical and biological properties of CS, such as its solubility, biocompatibility, and bioactivity, which are required in various areas of pharmacy and medicine. The present work emphasizes the ongoing research and development in this field, suggesting that the further exploration of CS derivatives could lead to innovative solutions that benefit society. The physicochemical properties, biological activities, methods of preparation, advantages, limitations, intended application areas, and realized practical implementations of particular CS derivatives are summarized and discussed herein. Despite the numerous promising attributes of CS derivatives as reported in this paper, however, challenges like target selectivity, standardization (purity, chitosan structural variability), and cost-effectiveness still need addressing for widespread implementation, especially in drug delivery. Therefore, basic research studies still prevail in CS drug delivery systems. However, for specific applications such as wound healing and tissue engineering, implementations of CS derivatives in practice are found to be more frequent. To obtain a more complex view of the topic, information from the scientific papers reviewed is supplemented with information from actual patents and clinical studies. Both basic research advances and the most successful and important medical implementations of CS derivatives are discussed concerning further challenges and future perspectives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Hydrogels: Preparation, Property and Biomedical Application (2nd Edition))
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21 pages, 1952 KiB  
Review
Starch-Based Hydrogels as a Drug Delivery System in Biomedical Applications
by Chung-Sung Lee and Hee Sook Hwang
Gels 2023, 9(12), 951; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9120951 - 4 Dec 2023
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4409
Abstract
Starch-based hydrogels have gained significant attention in biomedical applications as a type of drug delivery system due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to absorb and release drugs. Starch-based hydrogels can serve as effective carriers for pharmaceutical compounds such as drugs and proteins [...] Read more.
Starch-based hydrogels have gained significant attention in biomedical applications as a type of drug delivery system due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to absorb and release drugs. Starch-based hydrogels can serve as effective carriers for pharmaceutical compounds such as drugs and proteins to develop drug-loaded hydrogel systems, providing controlled release over an extended period. The porous structure of a hydrogel allows for the diffusion of drugs, ensuring sustained and localized delivery to the target site. Moreover, starch-based hydrogels have been used as a powerful option in various biomedical fields, including cancer and infectious disease treatment. In addition, starch-based hydrogels have shown promise in tissue engineering applications since hydrogels can be used as scaffolds or matrices to support cell growth and tissue regeneration. Depending on techniques such as chemical crosslinking or physical gelation, it can create a three-dimensional network structure that tunes its mechanical properties and mimics the extracellular matrix. Starch-based hydrogels can also provide a supportive environment for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation to promote specific cellular responses and tissue regeneration processes with the loading of growth factors, cytokines, or other bioactive molecules. In this review, starch-based hydrogels as a versatile platform for various biomedical applications are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Hydrogels: Preparation, Property and Biomedical Application (2nd Edition))
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30 pages, 4210 KiB  
Review
Fluorescent-Nanoparticle-Impregnated Nanocomposite Polymeric Gels for Biosensing and Drug Delivery Applications
by Kumaraswamy Gandla, K. Praveen Kumar, P. Rajasulochana, Manoj Shrawan Charde, Ritesh Rana, Laliteshwar Pratap Singh, M. Akiful Haque, Vasudha Bakshi, Falak A. Siddiqui, Sharuk L. Khan and S. Ganguly
Gels 2023, 9(8), 669; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9080669 - 18 Aug 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2754
Abstract
Nanocomposite polymeric gels infused with fluorescent nanoparticles have surfaced as a propitious category of substances for biomedical purposes owing to their exceptional characteristics. The aforementioned materials possess a blend of desirable characteristics, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, drug encapsulation, controlled release capabilities, and optical properties [...] Read more.
Nanocomposite polymeric gels infused with fluorescent nanoparticles have surfaced as a propitious category of substances for biomedical purposes owing to their exceptional characteristics. The aforementioned materials possess a blend of desirable characteristics, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, drug encapsulation, controlled release capabilities, and optical properties that are conducive to imaging and tracking. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the synthesis and characterization of fluorescent-nanoparticle-impregnated nanocomposite polymeric gels, as well as their biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, imaging, and tissue engineering. In this discourse, we deliberate upon the merits and obstacles linked to these substances, encompassing biocompatibility, drug encapsulation, optical characteristics, and scalability. The present study aims to provide an overall evaluation of the potential of fluorescent-nanoparticle-impregnated nanocomposite polymeric gels for biomedical applications. Additionally, emerging trends and future directions for research in this area are highlighted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Hydrogels: Preparation, Property and Biomedical Application (2nd Edition))
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