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Hydrogel for Sustained Delivery of Therapeutic Agents (2nd Edition)
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Hydrogel for Sustained Delivery of Therapeutic Agents (2nd Edition)

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 8359

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Adina Magdalena Musuc

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Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Kinetics, “Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry, Romanian Academy, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: physical chemistry, physico-chemical characterization of materials; drug delivery; pharmaceuticals development; thermal analysis; kinetics; biopolymers, cyclodextrin inclusion complexes; hydrogels; biomaterials for biomedical applications; oxide materials design/synthesis and the thermoreactivity of precursor-oxide transformations; green chemistry; thermal properties; physicochemical characterization; nanomaterials for biomedicine; nanomaterials for energy applications; catalysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Magdalena Mititelu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: nutrition; food safety; food technology; biotechnology; pharmaceutical research and development; dosage form development; pharmaceutical analysis; clinical biochemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mariana Chelu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
“Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry, Romanian Academy, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: gels; hydrogels; drug delivery; biomaterials; biomedical and pharmaceutical applications of gels; engineered gels for environmental applications; applications of gel-based materials and their composites in energy generation and storage; sensors; piezoelectric materials; nanomaterials for biomedical applications; regenerative medicine; green chemistry applications; green design in sustainable chemistry; biotechnology; green catalysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer hydrogels are attractive materials utilized for the controlled release of drugs and therapeutic agents due to their ability to embed biologically active agents in 3D-water-swollen networks. The latest advancements in natural biomaterials, polymer chemistry and the bioengineering domain have facilitated numerous developments in the field of hydrogels for the sustained delivery of therapeutic agents. In light of this, the current Special Issue is focused on the state of the art in the field of hydrogels, focusing on several exciting subjects, including cross-linking methods, stimuli-responsive hydrogels, multicomponent hydrogels, aerogels and the release of therapeutic agents from 3D-printed hydrogels. Therefore, the challenges that have been overcome due to advancements in the fields of biodegradable, biocompatible and temperature- and pH-stimuli-responsive hydrogels and interactions between hydrogels and therapeutic agents will also be highlighted.

This Special Issue will also focus on the physical, chemical, pharmacotechnical and biological characterization of polymer hydrogels using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), rheology and thermal analysis methods and their applications in regenerative medicine and pharmacy. The structure–property relationships of hydrogels are necessary to establish a correlation between the design and shape of a polymer hydrogel and the different drug delivery applications.

In this Special Issue, theoretical and experimental contributions in the forms of literature reviews, full-length original research articles and short communications are welcome.

We welcome and look forward to your submissions.

Dr. Adina Magdalena Musuc
Dr. Magdalena Mititelu
Dr. Mariana Chelu
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

  • hydrogels
  • drug delivery
  • therapeutic agents
  • natural biopolymers
  • aerogels
  • polymer gels properties
  • biomedical applications
  • tissue engineering
  • smart hydrogels
  • stimuli-responsive gels
  • biomaterials
  • physical-chemical characterization
  • 3D printing
  • structure-property relationship
  • regenerative medicine

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 5118 KiB  
Article
Marine Resources Gels as Main Ingredient for Wound Healing Biomaterials: Obtaining and Characterization
by Alina Elena Coman, Maria Minodora Marin, Ana Maria Roșca, Madalina Georgiana Albu Kaya, Rodica Roxana Constantinescu and Irina Titorencu
Gels 2024, 10(11), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10110729 - 11 Nov 2024
Viewed by 426
Abstract
The skin, known as the largest organ of the body, is essential for maintaining physiological balance and acts as a barrier against the external environment. When skin becomes damaged and wounds appear on the skin’s surface, a complex healing process, involving multiple types [...] Read more.
The skin, known as the largest organ of the body, is essential for maintaining physiological balance and acts as a barrier against the external environment. When skin becomes damaged and wounds appear on the skin’s surface, a complex healing process, involving multiple types of cells and microenvironments, take place. Selecting a suitable dressing for a wound is crucial for accelerating healing, reducing treatment costs, and improving the patient’s overall health. Starting from natural resources such as perch skin (P. fluviatilis), this article aims to develop biocompatible materials for regenerative medicine from collagen in the form of gels/gelatines. The extracted gels were physical/chemical and structurally analyzed. In order to obtain collagen scaffolds for wound healing, the extracted collagen gels from perch skin were further freeze-dried. The ability of these scaffolds is essential for controlling moisture levels during wound healing; therefore, it was necessary to investigate the samples’ ability to absorb water. The assessed collagen-based scaffolds were microbiologically tested, and their biocompatibility was investigated by incubating human adult dermal fibroblasts. The outcomes reveal an innovative path for the production of biomaterials used in wound healing, starting from collagen derived from marine sources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogel for Sustained Delivery of Therapeutic Agents (2nd Edition))
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26 pages, 5444 KiB  
Article
Development, Optimization, and Evaluation of New Gel Formulations with Cyclodextrin Complexes and Volatile Oils with Antimicrobial Activity
by Alina Ionela Stancu, Eliza Oprea, Lia Mara Dițu, Anton Ficai, Cornelia-Ioana Ilie, Irinel Adriana Badea, Mihaela Buleandra, Oana Brîncoveanu, Mihaela Violeta Ghica, Ionela Avram, Cristina Elena Dinu Pîrvu and Magdalena Mititelu
Gels 2024, 10(10), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10100645 - 10 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1541
Abstract
This study aimed to develop and evaluate hydrogels containing a cyclodextrin complex with clove essential oil and other free volatile oils with antimicrobial properties (tea tree and rosemary essential oils), focusing on their pharmaco-technical and rheological characteristics. The formulations varied in the Carbopol [...] Read more.
This study aimed to develop and evaluate hydrogels containing a cyclodextrin complex with clove essential oil and other free volatile oils with antimicrobial properties (tea tree and rosemary essential oils), focusing on their pharmaco-technical and rheological characteristics. The formulations varied in the Carbopol 940 (a hydrophilic polymer) and volatile oils’ concentrations. Rheological analysis indicated that the gels displayed pseudoplastic behavior, with the flow index (n) values below 1, ensuring appropriate consistency and handling. The results showed that increasing the Carbopol concentration significantly enhanced the yield stress, consistency index, and viscosity, with gel B, containing 1% Carbopol, 1.5% tea tree essential oil, and 1.5% rosemary essential oil, demonstrating optimal stability and rheological properties. At the same time, the concentration of volatile oils was found to modulate the gels’ flow parameters, but their effect was less pronounced than that of the gel-forming polymer. Antimicrobial testing revealed that both gel B and gel E (containing 1% Carbopol, 2% tea tree essential oil, and 2% rosemary essential oil) exhibited antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, and Candida spp., with gel E showing superior efficacy against Candida tropicalis. The antimicrobial effects were likely influenced by the higher concentrations of tea tree and rosemary essential oils in gel E. Overall, the study demonstrates that the concentration of Carbopol 940 primarily determines the gel’s rheological behavior, while volatile oil concentration modulates antimicrobial effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogel for Sustained Delivery of Therapeutic Agents (2nd Edition))
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19 pages, 2741 KiB  
Article
Photopolymerization of Chlorpromazine-Loaded Gelatin Methacryloyl Hydrogels: Characterization and Antimicrobial Applications
by Tatiana Tozar, Simona Nistorescu, Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru, Mihai Boni and Angela Staicu
Gels 2024, 10(10), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10100632 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 549
Abstract
This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial properties of hydrogels synthesized through the UV-pulsed laser photopolymerization of a polymer–photoinitiator–chlorpromazine mixture. Chlorpromazine was used for its known enhanced antimicrobial properties when exposed to UV laser radiation. The hydrogel was formed from a mixture [...] Read more.
This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial properties of hydrogels synthesized through the UV-pulsed laser photopolymerization of a polymer–photoinitiator–chlorpromazine mixture. Chlorpromazine was used for its known enhanced antimicrobial properties when exposed to UV laser radiation. The hydrogel was formed from a mixture containing 0.05% Irgacure 2959, 10% gelatin methacryloyl, and various concentrations of chlorpromazine (1, 2, and 4 mg/mL). Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy was employed to monitor the photoinduced changes of chlorpromazine and Irgacure 2959 during hydrogel formation, providing insight into the photodegradation dynamics. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the incorporation of irradiated chlorpromazine within the hydrogel matrix, while the release profiles of chlorpromazine showed sustained release only in hydrogels containing 1 mg/mL of CPZ. The hydrogel showed significant antimicrobial activity against MRSA bacteria when compared to that of penicillin. These findings highlight the potential of CPZ loaded during the photopolymerization process into hydrogels as effective antimicrobial agents with sustained release properties, making them suitable for combating resistant bacterial strains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogel for Sustained Delivery of Therapeutic Agents (2nd Edition))
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13 pages, 1941 KiB  
Article
Composite Hydrogel of Polyacrylamide/Starch/Gelatin as a Novel Amoxicillin Delivery System
by Yağmur Poyraz, Nisa Baltacı, Gana Hassan, Oubadah Alayoubi, Bengü Özuğur Uysal and Önder Pekcan
Gels 2024, 10(10), 625; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10100625 - 29 Sep 2024
Viewed by 768
Abstract
This study investigates the development and characterization of a novel composite hydrogel composed of polyacrylamide (PAAm), starch, and gelatin for use as an amoxicillin delivery system. The optical properties, swelling behavior, and drug release profile of the composite hydrogel’s were studied to evaluate [...] Read more.
This study investigates the development and characterization of a novel composite hydrogel composed of polyacrylamide (PAAm), starch, and gelatin for use as an amoxicillin delivery system. The optical properties, swelling behavior, and drug release profile of the composite hydrogel’s were studied to evaluate its efficacy and potential applications. UV-visible spectroscopy was employed to determine the optical properties, revealing significant transparency in the visible range, which is essential for biomedical applications. The incorporation of starch and gelatin into the polyacrylamide matrix significantly enhanced the hydrogel’s swelling capacity and biocompatibility. Studies on drug delivery demonstrated a sustained release profile of amoxicillin in simulated gastrointestinal fluids, which is essential for maintaining therapeutic levels for a prolonged amount of time. The results indicate that the composite hydrogel of PAAm/starch/gelatin has good swelling behavior, appealing optical characteristics, and a promising controlled drug release mechanism. These results point to this hydrogel’s considerable potential as a drug delivery method, providing a viable path toward enhancing the medicinal effectiveness of amoxicillin and maybe other medications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogel for Sustained Delivery of Therapeutic Agents (2nd Edition))
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14 pages, 5629 KiB  
Article
A pH-Responsive Hydrogel for the Oral Delivery of Ursolic Acid: A Pentacyclic Triterpenoid Phytochemical
by Carlos D. Gutierrez, Rosana L. Aranzábal, Ana M. Lechuga, Carlos A. Serrano, Flor Meza, Carlos Elvira, Alberto Gallardo and Michael A. Ludeña
Gels 2024, 10(9), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10090602 - 22 Sep 2024
Viewed by 948
Abstract
In this study, poly(HEMA-PEGxMEM-IA) hydrogels were prepared by radical copolymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGxMEM), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and itaconic acid (IA). The reaction was carried out in ethanolic solution using N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinking agent and 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone [...] Read more.
In this study, poly(HEMA-PEGxMEM-IA) hydrogels were prepared by radical copolymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGxMEM), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and itaconic acid (IA). The reaction was carried out in ethanolic solution using N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinking agent and 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone (HCPK) as a photo-initiator. The poly(HEMA-PEGxMEM-IA) hydrogels (HGx) were evaluated as a delivery system for ursolic acid (UA), a phytochemical extracted from the plant Clinopodium revolutum, “flor de arena”. The hydrogels were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), Raman spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The swelling behavior was studied in buffer solutions from pH 2 to 10, specifically at pH 2.2 (gastric environment) and 7.4 (intestinal environment). It was found that the hydrogels studied showed sensitivity to pH. At pH 2.2, the degree of swelling for HG5 and HG9 hydrogels was 0.45 and 0.93 (g water/g hydrogel), respectively. At pH 7.4, the degree of swelling for HG5 and HG9 hydrogels was 1.97 and 2.64 (g water/g hydrogel), respectively. The SEM images show the variation in pore size as a function of pH, and the UA crystals in the pores of the hydrogels can also be observed. The in vitro UA release data best fit the Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetic model and the diffusion exponent indicates that the release mechanism is governed by Fickian diffusion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogel for Sustained Delivery of Therapeutic Agents (2nd Edition))
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Review

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32 pages, 8280 KiB  
Review
Hydrogel-Forming Microneedles in the Management of Dermal Disorders Through a Non-Invasive Process: A Review
by Popat Mohite, Abhijeet Puri, Shubham Munde, Nitin Ade, Ashwini Kumar, Pensak Jantrawut, Sudarshan Singh and Chuda Chittasupho
Gels 2024, 10(11), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10110719 - 7 Nov 2024
Viewed by 672
Abstract
Microneedle (MN) technology has emerged as a promising approach for delivering therapeutic agents to the skin, offering significant potential in treating various dermal conditions. Among these technologies, hydrogel-forming microneedles (HFMNs) represent a transformative advancement in the management of dermal diseases through non-invasive drug [...] Read more.
Microneedle (MN) technology has emerged as a promising approach for delivering therapeutic agents to the skin, offering significant potential in treating various dermal conditions. Among these technologies, hydrogel-forming microneedles (HFMNs) represent a transformative advancement in the management of dermal diseases through non-invasive drug delivery. These innovative devices consist of micrometer-sized needles made of native or crosslinked hydrophilic polymers, capable of penetrating the stratum corneum without damaging underlying tissues. Upon insertion, HFMNs rapidly absorb interstitial fluid, swelling to form a hydrogel conduit that enables the efficient transport of therapeutic agents directly into the dermal microcirculation. The non-invasive nature of HFMNs enhances patient compliance by eliminating the pain and discomfort associated with traditional hypodermic needles. This technology allows for the delivery of a wide range of drugs, including macromolecules and biomacromolecules, which are often difficult to administer dermally due to their size and polarity. Moreover, HFMNs provide controlled and regulated release profiles, enabling sustained therapeutic effects while minimizing systemic side effects. Additionally, HFMNs can be used for both drug delivery and real-time interstitial fluid monitoring, offering valuable insights into disease states and treatment responses. This dual functionality positions HFMNs as a versatile dermatology tool capable of effectively addressing various dermal complications. This review explores the potential use of polymeric biomaterials in HFMN fabrication and their application in treating major dermal disorders, such as acne, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. Furthermore, the review highlights the non-invasive nature of MN-based treatments, underscoring their potential to reduce patient discomfort and improve treatment adherence, as supported by the recent literature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogel for Sustained Delivery of Therapeutic Agents (2nd Edition))
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33 pages, 3588 KiB  
Review
Development and Applications of PLGA Hydrogels for Sustained Delivery of Therapeutic Agents
by Anita Ioana Visan and Irina Negut
Gels 2024, 10(8), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10080497 - 26 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2735
Abstract
Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) hydrogels are highly utilized in biomedical research due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and other versatile properties. This review comprehensively explores their synthesis, properties, sustained release mechanisms, and applications in drug delivery. The introduction underscores the significance of PLGA hydrogels in [...] Read more.
Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) hydrogels are highly utilized in biomedical research due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and other versatile properties. This review comprehensively explores their synthesis, properties, sustained release mechanisms, and applications in drug delivery. The introduction underscores the significance of PLGA hydrogels in addressing challenges like short half-lives and systemic toxicity in conventional drug formulations. Synthesis methods, including emulsion solvent evaporation, solvent casting, electrospinning, thermal gelation, and photopolymerization, are described in detail and their role in tailoring hydrogel properties for specific applications is highlighted. Sustained release mechanisms—such as diffusion-controlled, degradation-controlled, swelling-controlled, and combined systems—are analyzed alongside key kinetic models (zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, and Peppas models) for designing controlled drug delivery systems. Applications of PLGA hydrogels in drug delivery are discussed, highlighting their effectiveness in localized and sustained chemotherapy for cancer, as well as in the delivery of antibiotics and antimicrobials to combat infections. Challenges and future prospects in PLGA hydrogel research are discussed, with a focus on improving drug loading efficiency, improving release control mechanisms, and promoting clinical translation. In summary, PLGA hydrogels provide a promising platform for the sustained delivery of therapeutic agents and meet diverse biomedical requirements. Future advancements in materials science and biomedical engineering are anticipated to further optimize their efficacy and applicability in clinical settings. This review consolidates the current understanding and outlines future research directions for PLGA hydrogels, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize therapeutic delivery and improve patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogel for Sustained Delivery of Therapeutic Agents (2nd Edition))
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