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Gels, Volume 12, Issue 6 (June 2026) – 3 articles

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18 pages, 8834 KB  
Article
Development of Curcumin/ADP-Loaded Gelatin Methacrylate Hydrogel for Enhanced Wound Healing with Hemostatic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antibacterial Properties
by Awn Abbas, Nanxin Li, Sameera Naseer, Lian Chen, Xiaoyang Ai, Yixing Chen, Chongde Gu and Hualin Fu
Gels 2026, 12(6), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12060456 - 22 May 2026
Abstract
Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels are promising carriers for bioactive agents like curcumin (Cur) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) in wound healing. However, existing GelMA-based systems fail to achieve both rapid hemostasis and sustained anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we developed a Cur/ADP GelMA hydrogel, [...] Read more.
Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels are promising carriers for bioactive agents like curcumin (Cur) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) in wound healing. However, existing GelMA-based systems fail to achieve both rapid hemostasis and sustained anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we developed a Cur/ADP GelMA hydrogel, and evaluated its anti-inflammatory, regenerative, hemostatic, and biocompatible properties. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) analysis showed that a 65% degree of substitution of GelMA is optimal for wound dressings. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a uniform pore size, aiding inflammatory exudate removal. The Cur/ADP GelMA hydrogel exhibited strong adhesion, stability, and antibacterial activity, reducing E. coli and S. aureus proliferation by 85% and 72%, respectively. Hemostatic effects were observed, with blood loss reduced to 238 ± 23 mg compared to 559 ± 18 mg in the untreated group. The ELISA results showed reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and increased IL-10. In vivo studies demonstrated 98% wound closure by day 14, enhanced granulation tissue formation, and a 70% thicker epidermis compared to controls. Mechanistically, ADP accelerates platelet activation and clot formation, while Cur modulates the inflammatory microenvironment, enabling synergistic hemostasis and immune regulation, thus promoting accelerated wound healing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Gels for Wound Dressing (2nd Edition))
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20 pages, 15469 KB  
Article
Formation and Performance of a Polymer–Cement Composite Gel in Magnesium Phosphate Cement Grouting Materials Modified by Steel Slag and Latex Powder
by Jingwei Zhang, Aolin Zhang and Jia Li
Gels 2026, 12(6), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12060455 - 22 May 2026
Abstract
Magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) shows great potential for complex underground environments due to its rapid-hardening and early-strength properties. However, its large-scale application is hindered by several drawbacks, including high hydration heat, rapid setting, and insufficient long-term durability. To address these limitations, this study [...] Read more.
Magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) shows great potential for complex underground environments due to its rapid-hardening and early-strength properties. However, its large-scale application is hindered by several drawbacks, including high hydration heat, rapid setting, and insufficient long-term durability. To address these limitations, this study developed a novel MPC grouting material modified with steel slag (SS) and redispersible latex powder (LP). We systematically investigated the workability, mechanical properties, durability, and microstructural evolution of this modified system. Results indicate that incorporating SS and LP decreases both the fluidity and setting time of the grout. An optimal SS dosage accelerates reaction kinetics and raises the peak hydration temperature. Conversely, the LP-induced polymer film suppresses the overall temperature rise, delaying the first exothermic peak and advancing the second. The incorporation of 5% steel slag increased the 28-day compressive strength of the MPC to 54.86 MPa. Building on this, the combined addition of 0.15% latex powder further elevated the strength to 58.82 MPa. Microstructural and pore analyses confirmed that the steel slag enhanced interfacial bonding through physical filling and the formation of calcium phosphate crystals. Meanwhile, the latex powder formed a continuous polymer film, which tightly wrapped and bridged the hydration products and unreacted particles. This synergistic mechanism effectively sealed the capillary pores and reduced the proportion of harmful pores by 15.99% compared to the control group. Consequently, the densified MPC matrix laid a solid microstructural foundation for the material’s excellent durability. It offers reliable, high-performance material for seepage control and strata reinforcement in complex environments. Full article
5 pages, 3410 KB  
Editorial
Recent Advances in Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering Applications
by Olga Kammona and Evgenia Tsanaktsidou
Gels 2026, 12(6), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12060454 - 22 May 2026
Abstract
Hydrogels are three-dimensional (3D) hydrophilic polymer networks characterized by increased water content (>90%) that have arisen as extremely versatile biomaterials for tissue engineering (TE) applications (e [...] Full article
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