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Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Application
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Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Application

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2024) | Viewed by 15692

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Kai Liu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
Interests: hydrogels; self-assembly; systems chemistry; biomaterial; nanomedicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue on the “Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Application” will cover a range of topics, from the fundamental principles of hydrogel synthesis and characterization to emerging applications in biomedical engineering, such as cell culture, tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery, and theranostics.

Hydrogels are an important class of soft materials characterized by their water-swollen and three-dimensional structure, biodegradability, and injectability. These materials have garnered substantial attention in recent years due to their diverse biomedical applications. Precise control of the spatiotemporal structure of hydrogels forms the bedrock for their complex biomedical applications. This control allows for the synthesis of hydrogels with adjustable physiochemical properties and responsive behavior. Advancements in this field require an interdisciplinary approach, combining chemistry, biology, and materials science to gain insight into the relationship between molecular and supramolecular structures, and the biological effects resulting from the dynamic behavior of hydrogel systems at biointerfaces. Such efforts can aid in fine-tuning the properties of hydrogels as required and open up new applications in biomedicine. Therefore, this Special Issue aims to provide an in-depth look at the latest advances in the control of hydrogels and highlight their corresponding biomedical applications. It is hoped that the topics will stimulate new research and discoveries in related fields.

Prof. Dr. Kai Liu
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

  • hydrogels
  • spatiotemporal control
  • cell culture
  • tissue engineering
  • drug delivery
  • theranostics
  • biomedical applications

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 6190 KiB  
Article
Formulation of Emulgels Containing Clotrimazole for the Treatment of Vaginal Candidiasis
by Zsófia Vilimi, Márton Király, Ádám Tibor Barna, Zsófia Edit Pápay, Lívia Budai, Krisztina Ludányi, Nikolett Kállai-Szabó and István Antal
Gels 2024, 10(11), 730; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10110730 - 12 Nov 2024
Viewed by 496
Abstract
Vaginal candidiasis poses significant health concerns that affect approximately 75% of women globally and often leads to discomfort and a decrease in quality of life. Traditional treatments, despite their effectiveness, may cause discomfort and adverse effects, such as vaginal discharge, bleeding, and dryness, [...] Read more.
Vaginal candidiasis poses significant health concerns that affect approximately 75% of women globally and often leads to discomfort and a decrease in quality of life. Traditional treatments, despite their effectiveness, may cause discomfort and adverse effects, such as vaginal discharge, bleeding, and dryness, promoting the exploration of alternative formulations. In this study, we aimed to develop a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis utilizing oleic acid containing emulgels made from thermoresponsive poloxamer-based hydrogels. These emulgels were designed to provide a sustained release of clotrimazole, an antifungal agent. Incorporating oleic acid enhanced the drug’s solubility and contributed to vaginal health. The formulations were characterized by their rheological properties, in vitro release, mucoadhesion, and spreadability. We conducted rheological measurements on the hydrogels that served as the base for the emulgels, as well as on the emulgels themselves. The emulgels exhibited continuous rheological behavior with changing temperatures, making them suitable for storage at room temperature. With an increasing HPMC content, we achieved enhanced mucoadhesion, which is beneficial for formulations used in body cavities. Moreover, in vitro release studies revealed sustained drug release profiles, which can be adjusted by varying the ratios of poloxamers and HPMC. These findings suggest that the developed emulgels offer a promising therapeutic option for vaginal candidiasis, addressing both the symptoms and the treatment of discomfort. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Application)
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18 pages, 7655 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Culture of Human Dermal Fibroblasts on Novel Electrospun Polylactic Acid Fiber Scaffolds Loaded with Encapsulated Polyepicatechin Physical Gels
by Eliza Miranda-Buendia, Gertrudis H. González-Gómez, Alfredo Maciel-Cerda and Maykel González-Torres
Gels 2024, 10(9), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10090601 - 20 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1099
Abstract
Polyepicatechin (PEC) in a hydrogel has previously shown promise in enhancing physiological properties and scaffold preparation. However, it remains unclear whether PEC-based fibers can be applied in skin tissue engineering (STE). This study aimed to synthesize and characterize electrospun PEC physical gels and [...] Read more.
Polyepicatechin (PEC) in a hydrogel has previously shown promise in enhancing physiological properties and scaffold preparation. However, it remains unclear whether PEC-based fibers can be applied in skin tissue engineering (STE). This study aimed to synthesize and characterize electrospun PEC physical gels and polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds (PLAloadedPECsub) for potential use as constructs with human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). PEC was produced through enzymatic polymerization, as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated the feasibility of producing PLAloadedPECsub by electrospinning. The metabolic activity and viability of HDFs cocultured with the scaffolds indicate that PLAloadedPECsub is promising for the use of STE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Application)
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24 pages, 18825 KiB  
Article
Composite Hydrogel with Oleic Acid-Grafted Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Enhanced Topical Delivery of Doxorubicin
by Marta Slavkova, Diana Dimitrova, Christina Voycheva, Teodora Popova, Ivanka Spassova, Daniela Kovacheva, Yordan Yordanov, Virginia Tzankova and Borislav Tzankov
Gels 2024, 10(6), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10060356 - 22 May 2024
Viewed by 1241
Abstract
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are inorganic nanocarriers presenting versatile properties and the possibility to deliver drug molecules via different routes of application. Their modification with lipids could diminish the burst release profile for water-soluble molecules. In the case of oleic acid (OA) as [...] Read more.
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are inorganic nanocarriers presenting versatile properties and the possibility to deliver drug molecules via different routes of application. Their modification with lipids could diminish the burst release profile for water-soluble molecules. In the case of oleic acid (OA) as a lipid component, an improvement in skin penetration can be expected. Therefore, in the present study, aminopropyl-functionalized MSNs were modified with oleic acid through carbodiimide chemistry and were subsequently incorporated into a semisolid hydrogel for dermal delivery. Doxorubicin served as a model drug. The FT-IR and XRD analysis as well as the ninhydrin reaction showed the successful preparation of the proposed nanocarrier with a uniform particle size (352–449 nm) and negative zeta potential. Transmission electron microscopy was applied to evaluate any possible changes in morphology. High encapsulation efficiency (97.6 ± 1.8%) was achieved together with a sustained release profile over 48 h. The composite hydrogels containing the OA-modified nanoparticles were characterized by excellent physiochemical properties (pH of 6.9; occlusion factor of 53.9; spreadability of factor 2.87 and viscosity of 1486 Pa·s) for dermal application. The in vitro permeation study showed 2.35 fold improvement compared with the hydrogel containing free drug. In vitro cell studies showed that loading in OA-modified nanoparticles significantly improved doxorubicin’s cytotoxic effects toward epidermoid carcinoma cells (A431). All of the results suggest that the prepared composite hydrogel has potential for dermal delivery of doxorubicin in the treatment of skin cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Application)
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20 pages, 6360 KiB  
Article
Injectable Thermoresponsive Microparticle/Hydrogel System with Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles for Drug Release and Magnetic Hyperthermia Applications
by Henrique Carrelo, André R. Escoval, Tânia Vieira, Mercedes Jiménez-Rosado, Jorge Carvalho Silva, Alberto Romero, Paula Isabel P. Soares and João Paulo Borges
Gels 2023, 9(12), 982; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9120982 - 15 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1693
Abstract
Cancer is a disease that continues to greatly impact our society. Developing new and more personalized treatment options is crucial to decreasing the cancer burden. In this study, we combined magnetic polysaccharide microparticles with a Pluronic thermoresponsive hydrogel to develop a multifunctional, injectable [...] Read more.
Cancer is a disease that continues to greatly impact our society. Developing new and more personalized treatment options is crucial to decreasing the cancer burden. In this study, we combined magnetic polysaccharide microparticles with a Pluronic thermoresponsive hydrogel to develop a multifunctional, injectable drug delivery system (DDS) for magnetic hyperthermia applications. Gellan gum and alginate microparticles were loaded with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with and without coating. The magnetic microparticles’ registered temperature increases up to 4 °C upon the application of an alternating magnetic field. These magnetic microparticles were mixed with drug-loaded microparticles, and, subsequently, this mixture was embedded within a Pluronic thermoresponsive hydrogel that is capable of being in the gel state at 37 °C. The proposed DDS was capable of slowly releasing methylene blue, used as a model drug, for up to 9 days. The developed hydrogel/microparticle system had a smaller rate of drug release compared with microparticles alone. This system proved to be a potential thermoresponsive DDS suitable for magnetic hyperthermia applications, thus enabling a synergistic treatment for cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Application)
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15 pages, 4056 KiB  
Article
A Sterile, Injectable, and Robust Sericin Hydrogel Prepared by Degraded Sericin
by Yeshun Zhang, Susu Wang, Yurong Li, Xiang Li, Zhanyan Du, Siyu Liu, Yushuo Song, Yanyan Li and Guozheng Zhang
Gels 2023, 9(12), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9120948 - 3 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1566
Abstract
The application of sericin hydrogels is limited mainly due to their poor mechanical strength, tendency to be brittle and inconvenient sterilization. To address these challenges, a sericin hydrogel exhibiting outstanding physical and chemical properties along with cytocompatibility was prepared through crosslinking genipin with [...] Read more.
The application of sericin hydrogels is limited mainly due to their poor mechanical strength, tendency to be brittle and inconvenient sterilization. To address these challenges, a sericin hydrogel exhibiting outstanding physical and chemical properties along with cytocompatibility was prepared through crosslinking genipin with degraded sericin extracted from fibroin deficient silkworm cocoons by the high temperature and pressure method. Our reported sericin hydrogels possess good elasticity, injectability, and robust behaviors. The 8% sericin hydrogel can smoothly pass through a 16 G needle. While the 12% sericin hydrogel remains intact until its compression ratio reaches 70%, accompanied by a compression strength of 674 kPa. 12% sericin hydrogel produce a maximum stretch of 740%, with breaking strength and tensile modulus of 375 kPa and 477 kPa respectively. Besides that, the hydrogel system demonstrated remarkable cell-adhesive capabilities, effectively promoting cell attachment and, proliferation. Moreover, the swelling and degradation behaviors of the hydrogels are pH responsiveness. Sericin hydrogel releases drugs in a sustained manner. Furthermore, this study addresses the challenge of sterilizing sericin hydrogels (sterilization will inevitably lead to the destruction of their structures). In addition, it challenges the prior notion that sericin extracted under high temperature and pressure is difficult to directly cross-linked into a stable hydrogel. This developed hydrogel system in this study holds promise to be a new multifunctional platform expanding the application area scope of sericin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Application)
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13 pages, 3560 KiB  
Article
Preparation of Cholesterol-Modified Hyaluronic Acid Nanogel-Based Hydrogel and the Inflammatory Evaluation Using Macrophage-like Cells
by Kohei Yabuuchi, Mika Suzuki, Chen Liang, Yoshihide Hashimoto, Tsuyoshi Kimura, Kazunari Akiyoshi and Akio Kishida
Gels 2023, 9(11), 866; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9110866 - 31 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2010
Abstract
Nanogels are candidate biomaterials for tissue engineering and drug delivery. In the present study, a cholesterol–hyaluronic acid hydrogel was developed, and the pro-inflammatory response of macrophages to the hydrogel was investigated to determine its use in biomedical applications. Hyaluronic acid modified with cholesterol [...] Read more.
Nanogels are candidate biomaterials for tissue engineering and drug delivery. In the present study, a cholesterol–hyaluronic acid hydrogel was developed, and the pro-inflammatory response of macrophages to the hydrogel was investigated to determine its use in biomedical applications. Hyaluronic acid modified with cholesterol (modification rate: 0–15%) and maleimide (Chol-HA) was synthesized. The Chol-HA nanogel was formed through self-assembly via hydrophobic cholesterol interactions in aqueous solution. The Chol-HA hydrogel was formed through chemical crosslinking of the Chol-HA nanogel via a Michael addition reaction between the maleimide and thiol groups of 4arm−PEGSH. We found that the Chol-HA hydrogels with 5, 10, and 15% cholesterol inhibited the pro-inflammatory response of HiBiT−THP−1 cells, suggesting that the cholesterol contributed to the macrophage response. Furthermore, Interleukin 4 (IL−4) encapsulated in the hydrogel of the Chol-HA nanogel enhanced the inhibition of the inflammatory response in HiBiT-THP-1 cells. These results provide useful insights into the biomedical applications of hydrogels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Application)
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21 pages, 3377 KiB  
Article
Amikacin-Loaded Chitosan Hydrogel Film Cross-Linked with Folic Acid for Wound Healing Application
by Yasir Mehmood, Hira Shahid, Numera Arshad, Akhtar Rasul, Talha Jamshaid, Muhammad Jamshaid, Usama Jamshaid, Mohammad N. Uddin and Mohsin Kazi
Gels 2023, 9(7), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9070551 - 6 Jul 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2333
Abstract
Purpose: Numerous carbohydrate polymers are frequently used in wound-dressing films because they are highly effective materials for promoting successful wound healing. In this study, we prepared amikacin (AM)-containing hydrogel films through the cross-linking of chitosan (CS) with folic acid along with methacrylic acid [...] Read more.
Purpose: Numerous carbohydrate polymers are frequently used in wound-dressing films because they are highly effective materials for promoting successful wound healing. In this study, we prepared amikacin (AM)-containing hydrogel films through the cross-linking of chitosan (CS) with folic acid along with methacrylic acid (MA), ammonium peroxodisulfate (APS), and methylenebisacrylamide (MBA). In the current studies, an effort has been made to look at the possibilities of these materials in developing new hydrogel film wound dressings meant for a slow release of the antibiotic AM and to enhance the potential for wound healing. Methods: Free-radical polymerization was used to generate the hydrogel film, and different concentrations of the CS polymer were used. Measurements were taken of the film thickness, weight fluctuation, folding resistance, moisture content, and moisture uptake. HPLC, FTIR, SEM, DSC, and AFM analyses were some of the different techniques used to confirm that the films were successfully developed. Results: The AM release profile demonstrated regulated release over a period of 24 h in simulated wound media at pH 5.5 and 7.4, with a low initial burst release. The antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacterial strains exhibited substantial effectiveness, with inhibitory zones measuring approximately 20.5 ± 0.1 mm. Additionally, in vitro cytocompatibility assessments demonstrated remarkable cell viability, surpassing 80%, specifically when evaluated against human skin fibroblast (HFF-1) cells. Conclusions: The exciting findings of this study indicate the promising potential for further development and testing of these hydrogel films, offering effective and controlled antibiotic release to enhance the process of wound healing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Application)
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Review

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30 pages, 2858 KiB  
Review
Hydrogel-Based Therapies for Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Comprehensive Review
by Alexandra-Daniela Rotaru-Zăvăleanu, Venera Cristina Dinescu, Madalina Aldea and Andrei Gresita
Gels 2024, 10(7), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10070476 - 18 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1674
Abstract
Stroke remains the second leading cause of death and a major cause of disability worldwide, significantly impacting individuals, families, and healthcare systems. This neurological emergency can be triggered by ischemic events, including small vessel arteriolosclerosis, cardioembolism, and large artery atherothromboembolism, as well as [...] Read more.
Stroke remains the second leading cause of death and a major cause of disability worldwide, significantly impacting individuals, families, and healthcare systems. This neurological emergency can be triggered by ischemic events, including small vessel arteriolosclerosis, cardioembolism, and large artery atherothromboembolism, as well as hemorrhagic incidents resulting from macrovascular lesions, venous sinus thrombosis, or vascular malformations, leading to significant neuronal damage. The resultant motor impairment, cognitive dysfunction, and emotional disturbances underscore the urgent need for effective therapeutic interventions. Recent advancements in biomaterials, particularly hydrogels, offer promising new avenues for stroke management. Hydrogels, composed of three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers, are notable for their ability to absorb and retain substantial amounts of water. Commonly used polymers in hydrogel formulations include natural polymers like alginate, chitosan, and collagen, as well as synthetic polymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyacrylamide. Their customizable characteristics—such as their porosity, swelling behavior, mechanical strength, and degradation rates—make hydrogels ideal for biomedical applications, including drug delivery, cell delivery, tissue engineering, and the controlled release of therapeutic agents. This review comprehensively explores hydrogel-based approaches to both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke therapy, elucidating the mechanisms by which hydrogels provide neuroprotection. It covers their application in drug delivery systems, their role in reducing inflammation and secondary injury, and their potential to support neurogenesis and angiogenesis. It also discusses current advancements in hydrogel technology and the significant challenges in translating these innovations from research into clinical practice. Additionally, it emphasizes the limited number of clinical trials utilizing hydrogel therapies for stroke and addresses the associated limitations and constraints, underscoring the need for further research in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Application)
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39 pages, 9428 KiB  
Review
Advancements in Nanogels for Enhanced Ocular Drug Delivery: Cutting-Edge Strategies to Overcome Eye Barriers
by Hyeonah Lee and Hyeran Noh
Gels 2023, 9(9), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9090718 - 4 Sep 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2510
Abstract
Nanomedicine in gel or particle formation holds considerable potential for enhancing passive and active targeting within ocular drug delivery systems. The complex barriers of the eye, exemplified by the intricate network of closely connected tissue structures, pose significant challenges for drug administration. Leveraging [...] Read more.
Nanomedicine in gel or particle formation holds considerable potential for enhancing passive and active targeting within ocular drug delivery systems. The complex barriers of the eye, exemplified by the intricate network of closely connected tissue structures, pose significant challenges for drug administration. Leveraging the capability of engineered nanomedicine offers a promising approach to enhance drug penetration, particularly through active targeting agents such as protein peptides and aptamers, which facilitate targeted release and heightened bioavailability. Simultaneously, DNA carriers have emerged as a cutting-edge class of active-targeting structures, connecting active targeting agents and illustrating their potential in ocular drug delivery applications. This review aims to consolidate recent findings regarding the optimization of various nanoparticles, i.e., hydrogel-based systems, incorporating both passive and active targeting agents for ocular drug delivery, thereby identifying novel mechanisms and strategies. Furthermore, the review delves into the potential application of DNA nanostructures, exploring their role in the development of targeted drug delivery approaches within the field of ocular therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Biomedical Application)
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