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Review

Hydrogel Applications for Cultural Heritage Protection: Emphasis on Antifungal Efficacy and Emerging Research Directions

1
Key Scientific Research Base of Pest and Mold Control of Heritage Collection, Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum, State Administration of Cultural Heritage, Chongqing 400015, China
2
College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Gels 2025, 11(8), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080606 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 18 June 2025 / Revised: 22 July 2025 / Accepted: 31 July 2025 / Published: 2 August 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Structure of Hydrogel-Related Materials (2nd Edition))

Abstract

Hydrogels, characterized by their high water content, tunable mechanical properties, and excellent biocompatibility, have emerged as a promising material platform for the preservation of cultural heritage. Their unique physicochemical features enable non-invasive and adaptable solutions for environmental regulation, structural stabilization, and antifungal protection. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in hydrogel-based strategies specifically developed for the conservation of cultural relics, with a particular focus on antifungal performance—an essential factor in preventing biodeterioration. Current hydrogel systems, composed of natural or synthetic polymer networks integrated with antifungal agents, demonstrate the ability to suppress fungal growth, regulate humidity, alleviate mechanical stress, and ensure minimal damage to artifacts during application. This review also highlights future research directions, such as the application prospects of novel materials, including stimuli-responsive hydrogels and self-dissolving hydrogels. As an early exploration of the use of hydrogels in antifungal protection and broader cultural heritage conservation, this work is expected to promote the wider application of this emerging technology, contributing to the effective preservation and long-term transmission of cultural heritage worldwide.
Keywords: cultural heritage preservation; antifungal hydrogels; biodeterioration prevention; stimuli-responsive materials; nanoparticle-infused hydrogels cultural heritage preservation; antifungal hydrogels; biodeterioration prevention; stimuli-responsive materials; nanoparticle-infused hydrogels

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MDPI and ACS Style

Chen, M.; Xiang, S.; Tang, H. Hydrogel Applications for Cultural Heritage Protection: Emphasis on Antifungal Efficacy and Emerging Research Directions. Gels 2025, 11, 606. https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080606

AMA Style

Chen M, Xiang S, Tang H. Hydrogel Applications for Cultural Heritage Protection: Emphasis on Antifungal Efficacy and Emerging Research Directions. Gels. 2025; 11(8):606. https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080606

Chicago/Turabian Style

Chen, Meijun, Shunyu Xiang, and Huan Tang. 2025. "Hydrogel Applications for Cultural Heritage Protection: Emphasis on Antifungal Efficacy and Emerging Research Directions" Gels 11, no. 8: 606. https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080606

APA Style

Chen, M., Xiang, S., & Tang, H. (2025). Hydrogel Applications for Cultural Heritage Protection: Emphasis on Antifungal Efficacy and Emerging Research Directions. Gels, 11(8), 606. https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080606

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