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State-of-the-Art Gel Research in Italy
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State-of-the-Art Gel Research in Italy

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 February 2024) | Viewed by 20552

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Miriam Mba Blázquez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
Interests: design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced functional soft materials for sensing, water treatment, and energy-related applications; bioinspired functional gels
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Alessandro Moretto

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
Interests: foldamers; homogeneous catalysis; photoresponsive gels
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In this Special Issue, we aim to highlight some of the high-quality multidisciplinary research being conducted in Italy in the field of gelators and gels. The issue will cover recent advancements in any aspects of polymeric and supramolecular gels (i.e., physical or chemical), including aerogels, metallogels, and composites. Potential topics may include but are not limited to experimental and/or theoretical studies on design, synthesis, characterization, control of properties and functions, and mechanistic insights. Contributions showing environmental, agricultural, sensing, pharmaceutical, medical, and energy-related applications, among others, are also welcome.

We invite researchers to submit original articles or short communications showing their latest results, or reviews addressing the advancements and current challenges in the field of gels.

Dr. Miriam Mba Blázquez
Dr. Alessandro Moretto
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

  • gels
  • supramolecular gels
  • macromolecular gels
  • gel-based materials
  • hydrogels
  • organogels
  • metallogels
  • aerogels
  • gel composites
  • functional gels
  • gel applications

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 6613 KiB  
Article
What Is the Impact of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy on Oral Candidiasis? An In Vitro Study
by Emira D’Amico, Silvia Di Lodovico, Tania Vanessa Pierfelice, Domenico Tripodi, Adriano Piattelli, Giovanna Iezzi, Morena Petrini and Simonetta D’Ercole
Gels 2024, 10(2), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10020110 - 29 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1636
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the ability of photodynamic therapy, based on the use of a gel containing 5% delta aminolaevulinic acid (ALAD) for 45′ followed by irradiation with 630 nm LED (PDT) for 7′, to eradicate Candida albicans strains without damaging the [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the ability of photodynamic therapy, based on the use of a gel containing 5% delta aminolaevulinic acid (ALAD) for 45′ followed by irradiation with 630 nm LED (PDT) for 7′, to eradicate Candida albicans strains without damaging the gingiva. C. albicans oral strains and gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) were used to achieve these goals. The potential antifungal effects on a clinical resistant C. albicans S5 strain were evaluated in terms of biofilm biomass, colony forming units (CFU/mL) count, cell viability by live/dead analysis, and fluidity membrane changes. Concerning the hGFs, viability assays, morphological analysis (optical, scanning electronic (SEM), and confocal laser scanning (CLSM) microscopes), and assays for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and collagen production were performed. ALAD-mediated aPDT (ALAD-aPDT) treatment showed significant anti-biofilm activity against C. albicans S5, as confirmed by a reduction in both the biofilm biomass and CFUs/mL. The cell viability was strongly affected by the treatment, while on the contrary, the fluidity of the membrane remained unchanged. The results for the hGFs showed an absence of cytotoxicity and no morphological differences in cells subjected to ALAD-aPDT expected for CLSM results that exhibited an increase in the thickening of actin filaments. ROS production was augmented only at 0 h and 3 h, while the collagen appeared enhanced 7 days after the treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Gel Research in Italy)
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14 pages, 2758 KiB  
Article
Ionic Strength Impacts the Physical Properties of Agarose Hydrogels
by Pasquale Sacco, Francesco Piazza, Eleonora Marsich, Michela Abrami, Mario Grassi and Ivan Donati
Gels 2024, 10(2), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10020094 - 25 Jan 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2080
Abstract
Agarose is a natural polysaccharide known for its ability to form thermoreversible hydrogels. While the effects of curing temperature and polysaccharide concentration on mechanical properties have been discussed in the literature, the role of ionic strength has been less studied. In the present [...] Read more.
Agarose is a natural polysaccharide known for its ability to form thermoreversible hydrogels. While the effects of curing temperature and polysaccharide concentration on mechanical properties have been discussed in the literature, the role of ionic strength has been less studied. In the present manuscript, we investigate the effects of supporting salt concentration and the role of cation (i.e. Na+ or Li+, neighbors in the Hofmeister series), on the setting and performance of agarose hydrogels. Compressive and rheological measurements show that the supporting salts reduce the immediate elastic response of agarose hydrogels, with Li+ showing a stronger effect than Na+ at high ionic strength, while they significantly increase the extent of linear stress-strain response (i.e., linear elasticity). The presence of increasing amounts of added supporting salt also leads to a reduction in hysteresis during mechanical deformation due to loading and unloading cycles, which is more pronounced with Li+ than with Na+. The combination of rheological measurements and NMR relaxometry shows a mesh size in agarose hydrogels in the order of 6–17 nm, with a thickness of the water layer bound to the biopolymer of about 3 nm. Of note, the different structuring of the water within the hydrogel network due to the different alkali seems to play a role for the final performance of the hydrogels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Gel Research in Italy)
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13 pages, 3521 KiB  
Article
Transparent Organogels as a Medium for the Light-Induced Conversion from Spiropyran to Merocyanine
by Demetra Giuri, Paolo Ravarino and Claudia Tomasini
Gels 2023, 9(12), 932; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9120932 - 27 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1714
Abstract
Low-molecular-weight peptide gelators are a versatile class of compounds able to form gels under a variety of conditions, even via simple ultrasound sonication. In this paper, the ability of Boc-L-Phe-D-Oxd-L-Phe-OBn to gelate three organic solvents (toluene, tert-butyl methyl ether, and ethanol) was evaluated. [...] Read more.
Low-molecular-weight peptide gelators are a versatile class of compounds able to form gels under a variety of conditions, even via simple ultrasound sonication. In this paper, the ability of Boc-L-Phe-D-Oxd-L-Phe-OBn to gelate three organic solvents (toluene, tert-butyl methyl ether, and ethanol) was evaluated. The rheological behaviour of the materials was assessed via strain sweep analysis, while the fibrous network was analysed via optical microscopy on the wet gels. The gel obtained from toluene is a highly transparent material, and the one from ethanol appears translucent, while the one from tert-butyl methyl ether is opaque. These gels were used to study the reversible light-induced transformation from spyropiran (SP) to merocyanine (MC) and back, as a model system to check the effect of the gel medium onto the rection kinetic. We observed that the solvent used to form the organogels has a crucial effect on the reaction, as gels from aprotic solvents stabilize the SP form, while the ones from protic solvents stabilize the MC form. We thus obtained a solid support to stabilize the two photochromic species just by changing the solvent polarity. Moreover, we could demonstrate that the self-assembled gels do not interfere with the light-driven conversion process, either starting from SP or MC, thus representing a valid and economical photochromic material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Gel Research in Italy)
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16 pages, 4318 KiB  
Article
Multicomponent Peptide-Based Hydrogels Containing Chemical Functional Groups as Innovative Platforms for Biotechnological Applications
by Sabrina Giordano, Enrico Gallo, Carlo Diaferia, Elisabetta Rosa, Barbara Carrese, Nicola Borbone, Pasqualina Liana Scognamiglio, Monica Franzese, Giorgia Oliviero and Antonella Accardo
Gels 2023, 9(11), 903; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9110903 - 15 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1886
Abstract
Multicomponent hydrogels (HGs) based on ultrashort aromatic peptides have been exploited as biocompatible matrices for tissue engineering applications, the delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents, and the development of biosensors. Due to its capability to gel under physiological conditions of pH and ionic [...] Read more.
Multicomponent hydrogels (HGs) based on ultrashort aromatic peptides have been exploited as biocompatible matrices for tissue engineering applications, the delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents, and the development of biosensors. Due to its capability to gel under physiological conditions of pH and ionic strength, the low molecular-weight Fmoc-FF (Nα-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-diphenylalanine) homodimer is one of the most studied hydrogelators. The introduction into the Fmoc-FF hydrogel of additional molecules like protein, organic compounds, or other peptide sequences often allows the generation of novel hydrogels with improved mechanical and functional properties. In this perspective, here we studied a library of novel multicomponent Fmoc-FF based hydrogels doped with different amounts of the tripeptide Fmoc-FFX (in which X= Cys, Ser, or Thr). The insertion of these tripeptides allows to obtain hydrogels functionalized with thiol or alcohol groups that can be used for their chemical post-derivatization with bioactive molecules of interest like diagnostic or biosensing agents. These novel multicomponent hydrogels share a similar peptide organization in their supramolecular matrix. The hydrogels’ biocompatibility, and their propensity to support adhesion, proliferation, and even cell differentiation, assessed in vitro on fibroblast cell lines, allows us to conclude that the hybrid hydrogels are not toxic and can potentially act as a scaffold and support for cell culture growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Gel Research in Italy)
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13 pages, 3317 KiB  
Article
Mineralized Microgels via Electrohydrodynamic Atomization: Optimization and In Vitro Model for Dentin–Pulp Complex
by Iriczalli Cruz-Maya, Rosaria Altobelli, Marco Antonio Alvarez-Perez and Vincenzo Guarino
Gels 2023, 9(11), 846; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9110846 - 25 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1359
Abstract
There is growing interest in the use of micro-sized hydrogels, including bioactive signals, as efficient platforms for tissue regeneration because they are able to mimic cell niche structure and selected functionalities. Herein, it is proposed to optimize bioactive composite microgels via electrohydrodynamic atomization [...] Read more.
There is growing interest in the use of micro-sized hydrogels, including bioactive signals, as efficient platforms for tissue regeneration because they are able to mimic cell niche structure and selected functionalities. Herein, it is proposed to optimize bioactive composite microgels via electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) to regenerate the dentin–pulp complex. The addition of disodium phosphate (Na2HPO4) salts as mineral precursors triggered an in situ reaction with divalent ions in solution, thus promoting the encapsulation of different amounts of apatite-like phases. Morphological analysis via image analysis of optical images confirmed a narrow distribution of perfectly rounded particles, with an average diameter ranging from 223 ± 18 μm to 502 ± 64 μm as a function of mineral content and process parameters used. FTIR, TEM, and EDAX analyses confirmed the formation of calcium phosphates with a characteristic Ca/P ratio close to 1.67 and a needle-like crystal shape. In vitro studies—using dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in crown sections of natural teeth slices—showed an increase in cell viability until 14 days, recording a decay of proliferation at 21 days, independent on the mineral amount, suggesting that differentiation is started, as confirmed by the increase of ALP activity at 14 days. In this view, mineralized microgels could be successfully used to support in vitro osteogenesis, working as an interesting model to study dental tissue regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Gel Research in Italy)
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21 pages, 5481 KiB  
Article
Ladder-like Poly(methacryloxypropyl) silsesquioxane-Al2O3-polybutadiene Flexible Nanocomposites with High Thermal Conductivity
by Pietro Mingarelli, Chiara Romeo, Emanuela Callone, Giulia Fredi, Andrea Dorigato, Massimiliano D’Arienzo, Francesco Parrino and Sandra Dirè
Gels 2023, 9(10), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9100810 - 10 Oct 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2083
Abstract
Ladder-like poly(methacryloxypropyl)-silsesquioxanes (LPMASQ) are photocurable Si-based gels characterized by a double-stranded structure that ensures superior thermal stability and mechanical properties than common organic polymers. In this work, these attractive features were exploited to produce, in combination with alumina nanoparticles (NPs), both unmodified and [...] Read more.
Ladder-like poly(methacryloxypropyl)-silsesquioxanes (LPMASQ) are photocurable Si-based gels characterized by a double-stranded structure that ensures superior thermal stability and mechanical properties than common organic polymers. In this work, these attractive features were exploited to produce, in combination with alumina nanoparticles (NPs), both unmodified and functionalized with methacryloxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (MPTMS), LPMASQ/Al2O3 composites displaying remarkable thermal conductivity. Additionally, we combined LPMASQ with polybutadiene (PB) to produce hybrid nanocomposites with the addition of functionalized Al2O3 NPs. The materials underwent thermal stability, structural, and morphological evaluations via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Both blending PB with LPMASQ and surface functionalization of nanoparticles proved to be effective strategies for incorporating a higher ceramic filler amount in the matrices, resulting in significant increases in thermal conductivity. Specifically, a 113.6% increase in comparison to the bare matrix was achieved at relatively low filler content (11.2 vol%) in the presence of 40 wt% LPMASQ. Results highlight the potential of ladder-like silsesquioxanes in the field of thermally conductive polymers and their applications in heat dissipation for flexible electronic devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Gel Research in Italy)
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14 pages, 2169 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Crosslinking Parameters and Characterization of Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers: From Design to Product Performances
by Stefano Pluda, Cecilia Salvagnini, Anna Fontana, Anna Marchetti, Alba Di Lucia, Devis Galesso and Cristian Guarise
Gels 2023, 9(9), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9090733 - 9 Sep 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3695
Abstract
Despite process similarities, distinctive manufacturing technologies offer hyaluronic acid dermal fillers with different in vitro physicochemical and rheological properties due to peculiar crosslinked hydrogel networks. A better understanding of dermal filler properties could provide specific clinical indications and expectations with more accurate performance [...] Read more.
Despite process similarities, distinctive manufacturing technologies offer hyaluronic acid dermal fillers with different in vitro physicochemical and rheological properties due to peculiar crosslinked hydrogel networks. A better understanding of dermal filler properties could provide specific clinical indications and expectations with more accurate performance correlations. In this study, with an emphasis on the degree of modification, hyaluronic acid concentration and molecular weight, these process parameters were able to modulate dermal filler properties, especially rheology. Moreover, an extensive characterization of commercial hyaluronic acid injectables of the Hyal System line was described to present product properties and help to elucidate related clinical effects. Standardized methodologies were applied to correlate in vitro parameters with feasible clinical indications. In view of an optimized dermal filler design, the results of the extrudability measurements allowed the quantification of the effect of hydrogel composition, rheological properties and needle size on injectability. Composition, dynamic viscosity and needle size showed an impactful influence on hydrogel extrudability. Finally, the positive influence of 200 KDa hyaluronic acid in comparison to fragments of ether-crosslinked hyaluronic acid on fibroblast recognition were shown with a migration assay. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Gel Research in Italy)
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11 pages, 2651 KiB  
Article
Transdermal Delivery of Phloretin by Gallic Acid Microparticles
by Roberta Cassano, Federica Curcio, Roberta Sole and Sonia Trombino
Gels 2023, 9(3), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9030226 - 15 Mar 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1936
Abstract
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes harmful effects on the skin, such as inflammatory states and photoaging, which depend strictly on the form, amount, and intensity of UV radiation and the type of individual exposed. Fortunately, the skin is endowed with a number [...] Read more.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes harmful effects on the skin, such as inflammatory states and photoaging, which depend strictly on the form, amount, and intensity of UV radiation and the type of individual exposed. Fortunately, the skin is endowed with a number of endogenous antioxidants and enzymes crucial in its response to UV radiation damage. However, the aging process and environmental stress can deprive the epidermis of its endogenous antioxidants. Therefore, natural exogenous antioxidants may be able to reduce the severity of UV-induced skin damage and aging. Several plant foods constitute a natural source of various antioxidants. These include gallic acid and phloretin, used in this work. Specifically, polymeric microspheres, useful for the delivery of phloretin, were made from gallic acid, a molecule that has a singular chemical structure with two different functional groups, carboxylic and hydroxyl, capable of providing polymerizable derivatives after esterification. Phloretin is a dihydrochalcone that possesses many biological and pharmacological properties, such as potent antioxidant activity in free radical removal, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and antiproliferative effects. The obtained particles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Antioxidant activity, swelling behavior, phloretin loading efficiency, and transdermal release were also evaluated. The results obtained indicate that the micrometer-sized particles effectively swell, and release the phloretin encapsulated in them within 24 h, and possess antioxidant efficacy comparable to that of free phloretin solution. Therefore, such microspheres could be a viable strategy for the transdermal release of phloretin and subsequent protection from UV-induced skin damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Gel Research in Italy)
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Review

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24 pages, 5514 KiB  
Review
Recent Advancements in Hydrogel Biomedical Research in Italy
by Eleonora Zanrè, Eva Dalla Valle, Edoardo D’Angelo, Francesca Sensi, Marco Agostini and Elisa Cimetta
Gels 2024, 10(4), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10040248 - 4 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1555
Abstract
Hydrogels have emerged as versatile biomaterials with remarkable applications in biomedicine and tissue engineering. Here, we present an overview of recent and ongoing research in Italy, focusing on extracellular matrix-derived, natural, and synthetic hydrogels specifically applied to biomedicine and tissue engineering. The analyzed [...] Read more.
Hydrogels have emerged as versatile biomaterials with remarkable applications in biomedicine and tissue engineering. Here, we present an overview of recent and ongoing research in Italy, focusing on extracellular matrix-derived, natural, and synthetic hydrogels specifically applied to biomedicine and tissue engineering. The analyzed studies highlight the versatile nature and wide range of applicability of hydrogel-based studies. Attention is also given to the integration of hydrogels within bioreactor systems, specialized devices used in biological studies to culture cells under controlled conditions, enhancing their potential for regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and drug delivery. Despite the abundance of literature on this subject, a comprehensive overview of Italian contributions to the field of hydrogels-based biomedical research is still missing and is thus our focus for this review. Consolidating a diverse range of studies, the Italian scientific community presents a complete landscape for hydrogel use, shaping the future directions of biomaterials research. This review aspires to serve as a guide and map for Italian researchers interested in the development and use of hydrogels in biomedicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Gel Research in Italy)
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18 pages, 3381 KiB  
Review
Short Peptides for Hydrolase Supramolecular Mimicry and Their Potential Applications
by Paola Alletto, Ana Maria Garcia and Silvia Marchesan
Gels 2023, 9(9), 678; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9090678 - 23 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1640
Abstract
Hydrolases are enzymes that have found numerous applications in various industrial sectors spanning from pharmaceuticals to foodstuff and beverages, consumers’ products such as detergents and personal care, textiles, and even for biodiesel production and environmental bioremediation. Self-assembling and gelling short peptides have been [...] Read more.
Hydrolases are enzymes that have found numerous applications in various industrial sectors spanning from pharmaceuticals to foodstuff and beverages, consumers’ products such as detergents and personal care, textiles, and even for biodiesel production and environmental bioremediation. Self-assembling and gelling short peptides have been designed for their mimicry so that their supramolecular organization leads to the creation of hydrophobic pockets for catalysis to occur. Catalytic gels of this kind can also find numerous industrial applications to address important global challenges of our time. This concise review focuses on the last 5 years of progress in this fast-paced, popular field of research with an eye towards the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Gel Research in Italy)
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