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Smart Hydrogels and Hydrogels Composites: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovation
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Smart Hydrogels and Hydrogels Composites: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovation

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 19718

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. David Mills

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA 71272, USA
Interests: cancer biomaterials; bioengineering; implant design; surface modification; targeted drug delivery; tissue engineering; 3D printing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Hydrogels are highly hydrated three-dimensional (3D) networks of crosslinked hydrophilic polymer chains and have been widely explored for use as bioactive delivery agents, cell carriers, consumer products, tissue engineering scaffolds, and for wound healing. Hydrogels can be tailored for different chemical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties and can even be made to conduct electricity. Recent trends have focused on incorporating carbon-based nanomaterials, clay nanomaterials, and metallic and polymeric nanoparticles within the polymeric network to create hybrid, multicomposite, and multiresponsive hydrogels.

The goal of this Special Issue is to focus attention on synergies resulting from the combination of these materials. Nanoparticles can significantly enhance or modulate the electrical, bioinductive, pH, thermal or photo-response. This Special Issue will feature recent advances in this field, focusing on pharmaceutical and regenerative medical applications, and the use of natural and synthetic additives that impart unique, novel, or critical functionalities. Manuscripts that address recent advances combining nanoparticles and hydrogels and highlight the synergic combination for the design of hydrogel systems are especially welcome.

Prof. Dr. David Mills
Guest Editor

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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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • additives
  • biomedicine
  • hydrogel
  • wound healing

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 8508 KiB  
Article
Bone Regeneration in Small and Large Segmental Bone Defect Models after Radiotherapy Using Injectable Polymer-Based Biodegradable Materials Containing Strontium-Doped Hydroxyapatite Particles
by Camille Ehret, Rachida Aid, Bruno Paiva Dos Santos, Sylvie Rey, Didier Letourneur, Joëlle Amédée Vilamitjana and Erwan de Mones
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(6), 5429; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24065429 - 12 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2033
Abstract
The reconstruction of bones following tumor excision and radiotherapy remains a challenge. Our previous study, performed using polysaccharide-based microbeads that contain hydroxyapatite, found that these have osteoconductivity and osteoinductive properties. New formulations of composite microbeads containing HA particles doped with strontium (Sr) at [...] Read more.
The reconstruction of bones following tumor excision and radiotherapy remains a challenge. Our previous study, performed using polysaccharide-based microbeads that contain hydroxyapatite, found that these have osteoconductivity and osteoinductive properties. New formulations of composite microbeads containing HA particles doped with strontium (Sr) at 8 or 50% were developed to improve their biological performance and were evaluated in ectopic sites. In the current research, we characterized the materials by phase-contrast microscopy, laser dynamic scattering particle size-measurements and phosphorus content, before their implantation into two different preclinical bone defect models in rats: the femoral condyle and the segmental bone. Eight weeks after the implantation in the femoral condyle, the histology and immunohistochemistry analyses showed that Sr-doped matrices at both 8% and 50% stimulate bone formation and vascularization. A more complex preclinical model of the irradiation procedure was then developed in rats within a critical-size bone segmental defect. In the non-irradiated sites, no significant differences between the non-doped and Sr-doped microbeads were observed in the bone regeneration. Interestingly, the Sr-doped microbeads at the 8% level of substitution outperformed the vascularization process by increasing new vessel formation in the irradiated sites. These results showed that the inclusion of strontium in the matrix-stimulated vascularization in a critical-size model of bone tissue regeneration after irradiation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Hydrogels and Hydrogels Composites: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovation)
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16 pages, 1927 KiB  
Article
Changes in the Mechanical Properties of Alginate-Gelatin Hydrogels with the Addition of Pygeum africanum with Potential Application in Urology
by Jagoda Kurowiak, Agnieszka Kaczmarek-Pawelska, Agnieszka Mackiewicz, Katarzyna Baldy-Chudzik, Justyna Mazurek-Popczyk, Łukasz Zaręba, Tomasz Klekiel and Romuald Będziński
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(18), 10324; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231810324 - 7 Sep 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2733
Abstract
New hydrogel materials developed to improve soft tissue healing are an alternative for medical applications, such as tissue regeneration or enhancing the biotolerance effect in the tissue-implant–body fluid system. The biggest advantages of hydrogel materials are the presence of a large amount of [...] Read more.
New hydrogel materials developed to improve soft tissue healing are an alternative for medical applications, such as tissue regeneration or enhancing the biotolerance effect in the tissue-implant–body fluid system. The biggest advantages of hydrogel materials are the presence of a large amount of water and a polymeric structure that corresponds to the extracellular matrix, which allows to create healing conditions similar to physiological ones. The present work deals with the change in mechanical properties of sodium alginate mixed with gelatin containing Pygeum africanum. The work primarily concentrates on the evaluation of the mechanical properties of the hydrogel materials produced by the sol–gel method. The antimicrobial activity of the hydrogels was investigated based on the population growth dynamics of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, as well as the degree of degradation after contact with urine using an innovative method with a urine flow simulation stand. On the basis of mechanical tests, it was found that sodium alginate-based hydrogels with gelatin showed weaker mechanical properties than without the additive. In addition, gelatin accelerates the degradation process of the produced hydrogel materials. Antimicrobial studies have shown that the presence of African plum bark extract in the hydrogel enhances the inhibitory effect on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The research topic was considered due to the increased demand from patients for medical devices to promote healing of urethral epithelial injuries in order to prevent the formation of urethral strictures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Hydrogels and Hydrogels Composites: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovation)
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14 pages, 3595 KiB  
Article
A Multifunctional Light-Driven Swimming Soft Robot for Various Application Scenarios
by Zhen Wang, Dongni Shi, Xiaowen Wang, Yibao Chen, Zheng Yuan, Yan Li, Zhixing Ge and Wenguang Yang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(17), 9609; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23179609 - 25 Aug 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2870
Abstract
The locomotor behavior of creatures in nature can bring a lot of inspiration for the fabrication of soft actuators. In this paper, we fabricated a bionic light-driven swimming soft robot that can perform grasping of tiny objects and achieve the task of object [...] Read more.
The locomotor behavior of creatures in nature can bring a lot of inspiration for the fabrication of soft actuators. In this paper, we fabricated a bionic light-driven swimming soft robot that can perform grasping of tiny objects and achieve the task of object transfer. By adding carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the temperature-sensitive hydrogels can be endowed with light-responsive properties. The fabricated composite hydrogel structure can control the contraction and expansion of volume by light, which is similar to the contraction and diastole behavior of muscles. The oscillation of the fish tail and the grasping action of the normally closed micromanipulator can be achieved by the control of the irradiation of the xenon light source. The bending of the bionic arm can be controlled by the irradiation of a near-infrared (NIR) laser, which transforms the spatial position and posture of the micromanipulator. The proposed scheme is feasible for miniaturized fabrication and application of flexible actuators. This work provides some important insights for the study of light-driven microrobots and light-driven flexible actuators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Hydrogels and Hydrogels Composites: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovation)
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19 pages, 4088 KiB  
Article
Efficacy of Nerve-Derived Hydrogels to Promote Axon Regeneration Is Influenced by the Method of Tissue Decellularization
by Vijay Kumar Kuna, Andre Lundgren, Luis Oliveros Anerillas, Peyman Kelk, Maria Brohlin, Mikael Wiberg, Paul J. Kingham, Ludmila N. Novikova, Gustav Andersson and Lev N. Novikov
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(15), 8746; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23158746 - 6 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2572
Abstract
Injuries to large peripheral nerves are often associated with tissue defects and require reconstruction using autologous nerve grafts, which have limited availability and result in donor site morbidity. Peripheral nerve-derived hydrogels could potentially supplement or even replace these grafts. In this study, three [...] Read more.
Injuries to large peripheral nerves are often associated with tissue defects and require reconstruction using autologous nerve grafts, which have limited availability and result in donor site morbidity. Peripheral nerve-derived hydrogels could potentially supplement or even replace these grafts. In this study, three decellularization protocols based on the ionic detergents sodium dodecyl sulfate (P1) and sodium deoxycholate (P2), or the organic solvent tri-n-butyl phosphate (P3), were used to prepare hydrogels. All protocols resulted in significantly decreased amounts of genomic DNA, but the P2 hydrogel showed the best preservation of extracellular matrix proteins, cytokines, and chemokines, and reduced levels of sulfated glycosaminoglycans. In vitro P1 and P2 hydrogels supported Schwann cell viability, secretion of VEGF, and neurite outgrowth. Surgical repair of a 10 mm-long rat sciatic nerve gap was performed by implantation of tubular polycaprolactone conduits filled with hydrogels followed by analyses using diffusion tensor imaging and immunostaining for neuronal and glial markers. The results demonstrated that the P2 hydrogel considerably increased the number of axons and the distance of regeneration into the distal nerve stump. In summary, the method used to decellularize nerve tissue affects the efficacy of the resulting hydrogels to support regeneration after nerve injury. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Hydrogels and Hydrogels Composites: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovation)
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14 pages, 4857 KiB  
Article
Biodegradable-Glass-Fiber Reinforced Hydrogel Composite with Enhanced Mechanical Performance and Cell Proliferation for Potential Cartilage Repair
by Chenkai Zhu, Changyong Huang, Wuxiang Zhang, Xilun Ding and Yang Yang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(15), 8717; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23158717 - 5 Aug 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3183
Abstract
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels are promising implants due to the similarity of their low-friction behavior to that of cartilage tissue, and also due to their non-cytotoxicity. However, their poor mechanical resistance and insufficient durability restricts their application in this area. With the development [...] Read more.
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels are promising implants due to the similarity of their low-friction behavior to that of cartilage tissue, and also due to their non-cytotoxicity. However, their poor mechanical resistance and insufficient durability restricts their application in this area. With the development of biodegradable glass fibers (BGF), which show desirable mechanical performance and bioactivity for orthopedic engineering, we designed a novel PVA hydrogel composite reinforced with biodegradable glass fibers, intended for use in artificial cartilage repair with its excellent cytocompatibility and long-term mechanical stability. Using structure characterization and thermal properties analysis, we found hydrogen bonding occurred among PVA molecular networks as well as in the PVA–BGF interface, which explained the increase in crystallinity and glass transition temperature, and was the reason for the improved mechanical performance and better anti-fatigue behavior of the composites in comparison with PVA. The compressive strength and modulus for the PBGF-15 composite reached 3.05 and 3.97 MPa, respectively, equaling the mechanical properties of human articular cartilage. Moreover, the increase in BGF content was found to support the proliferation of chondrocytes in vitro, whilst the PVA hydrogel matrix was able to control the ion concentration by adjusting the ions released from the BGF. Therefore, this novel biodegradable-glass-fiber-reinforced hydrogel composite possesses excellent properties for cartilage repair with potential in medical application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Hydrogels and Hydrogels Composites: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovation)
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Review

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25 pages, 5600 KiB  
Review
Mimicking Molecular Pathways in the Design of Smart Hydrogels for the Design of Vascularized Engineered Tissues
by Aldo Nicosia, Monica Salamone, Salvatore Costa, Maria Antonietta Ragusa and Giulio Ghersi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(15), 12314; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512314 - 1 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2294
Abstract
Biomaterials are pivotal in supporting and guiding vascularization for therapeutic applications. To design effective, bioactive biomaterials, understanding the cellular and molecular processes involved in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis is crucial. Biomaterial platforms can replicate the interactions between cells, the ECM, and the signaling molecules [...] Read more.
Biomaterials are pivotal in supporting and guiding vascularization for therapeutic applications. To design effective, bioactive biomaterials, understanding the cellular and molecular processes involved in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis is crucial. Biomaterial platforms can replicate the interactions between cells, the ECM, and the signaling molecules that trigger blood vessel formation. Hydrogels, with their soft and hydrated properties resembling natural tissues, are widely utilized; particularly synthetic hydrogels, known for their bio-inertness and precise control over cell–material interactions, are utilized. Naturally derived and synthetic hydrogel bases are tailored with specific mechanical properties, controlled for biodegradation, and enhanced for cell adhesion, appropriate biochemical signaling, and architectural features that facilitate the assembly and tubulogenesis of vascular cells. This comprehensive review showcases the latest advancements in hydrogel materials and innovative design modifications aimed at effectively guiding and supporting vascularization processes. Furthermore, by leveraging this knowledge, researchers can advance biomaterial design, which will enable precise support and guidance of vascularization processes and ultimately enhance tissue functionality and therapeutic outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Hydrogels and Hydrogels Composites: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovation)
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30 pages, 6398 KiB  
Review
Nanomaterials-Functionalized Hydrogels for the Treatment of Cutaneous Wounds
by Yangkun Liu, Gongmeiyue Su, Ruoyao Zhang, Rongji Dai and Zhao Li
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(1), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010336 - 25 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3020
Abstract
Hydrogels have been utilized extensively in the field of cutaneous wound treatment. The introduction of nanomaterials (NMs), which are a big category of materials with diverse functionalities, can endow the hydrogels with additional and multiple functions to meet the demand for a comprehensive [...] Read more.
Hydrogels have been utilized extensively in the field of cutaneous wound treatment. The introduction of nanomaterials (NMs), which are a big category of materials with diverse functionalities, can endow the hydrogels with additional and multiple functions to meet the demand for a comprehensive performance in wound dressings. Therefore, NMs-functionalized hydrogels (NMFHs) as wound dressings have drawn intensive attention recently. Herein, an overview of reports about NMFHs for the treatment of cutaneous wounds in the past five years is provided. Firstly, fabrication strategies, which are mainly divided into physical embedding and chemical synthesis of the NMFHs, are summarized and illustrated. Then, functions of the NMFHs brought by the NMs are reviewed, including hemostasis, antimicrobial activity, conductivity, regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and stimulus responsiveness (pH responsiveness, photo-responsiveness, and magnetic responsiveness). Finally, current challenges and future perspectives in this field are discussed with the hope of inspiring additional ideas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Hydrogels and Hydrogels Composites: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovation)
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