Gels

The aim of this study is to develop a nanoemulgel encapsulating a Tunisian Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) seed oil (PPSO) to assess, for the first time, the in vivo efficacy of this nanoformulation on wound healing. Phytocompounds of this oil have been reported in the literature as having powerful pharmacological activities. However, it remains poorly exploited due to low bioavailability. A nanoemulsion (NE) was designed by determining the required hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) and subsequently characterized. The mean droplet size was measured at 56.46 ± 1.12 nm, with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.23 ± 0.01 using dynamic light scattering. The zeta potential was −31.4 ± 1.4 mV, and the morphology was confirmed and assessed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These characteristics align with the typical properties of nanoemulsions. The gelification process resulted in the formation of a nanoemulgel from the optimum nanoemulsion. The high wound healing efficiency of the nanoemulgel was confirmed compared to that of a medicinally marketed cream. The outcomes of this research contribute valuable insights, for the first time, into the potential therapeutic applications of PPSO and its innovative pharmaceutical formulation for wound healing. Full article

A gel-based floating matrix tablet was formulated and evaluated using the sublimation technique to enhance gastroretentive drug delivery. Anhydrous theophylline was employed as the active pharmaceutical ingredient, combined with sublimation agents and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as the gel-forming polymer. The resulting tablets exhibited high porosity, immediate floatation, and sustained buoyancy for over 8 h. Optimization of the floating behavior and drug release profiles was achieved by adjusting the viscosity of and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and the concentration of sublimation agents, specifically ammonium carbonate and menthol. These agents were selected for their effectiveness in creating a porous structure, thus reducing tablet density and enhancing floatation. Higher HPMC viscosity resulted in increased floating force, slower drug release, and improved swelling properties due to a slower erosion rate. A critical assessment of the balance between tablet porosity, mechanical strength, and drug release kinetics indicates that ammonium carbonate provided superior tablet hardness and lower friability compared to menthol, favoring a controlled release mechanism. The release dynamics of theophylline were best described by the anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion model, suggesting a combined effect of diffusion and erosion. This research advances the development of gastroretentive drug delivery systems, highlighting the potential of sublimation-based floating matrix tablets for sustained drug release. Full article

Fruit juice processing can generate significant waste, but efficiently repurposing some of its byproducts not only reduces environmental impact but also adds value, thereby enhancing sustainability in the food industry. This work assesses the use of hydrocolloids in jam preparation and the influence of time and temperature on gelation in the presence of apple pomace. The effects of different processing conditions were analyzed using response surface methodology. Viscosity, elastic modulus (G′), viscous modulus (G″), and firmness were measured. Results indicated that both time and temperature significantly improved rheological and textural properties. The optimal conditions (35.6 min and 84.2 °C) yielded a viscosity of 3.66 × 10⁴ ± 4.49 × 10² Pa·s and a G′ at 1 Hz of 2596 ± 128 Pa. The final product exhibited the desirable texture, was free of added sugars, had low lipid content, and retained its bioactive compounds. Applying apple pomace in the formulation allows a more efficient hydrocolloid system, promotes a circular economy, and combats food waste. Full article

Laminectomy is a commonly performed surgical procedure by orthopedic and neurosurgeons, aimed at alleviating nerve compression and reducing pain. However, in some cases, excessive proliferation of fibrous scar tissue in the epidural space post-surgery can lead to persistent and intractable lower back pain, a condition known as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). The persistent fibrous tissue causes both physical and emotional distress for patients and also makes follow-up surgeries more challenging due to reduced visibility and greater technical difficulty. It has been established that the application of biomaterials to prevent epidural fibrosis post-lumbar surgery is more beneficial than revision surgeries to relieve dural fibrosis. Hydrogel-based biomaterials, with their excellent biocompatibility, degradability, and injectability and tunable mechanical properties, have been increasingly introduced by clinicians and researchers. This paper, building on the foundation of epidural fibrosis, primarily discusses the strategies for the preparation of natural and polymeric biomaterials to prevent epidural fibrosis, their physicochemical properties, and their ability to mitigate the excessive proliferation of fibroblasts. It also emphasizes the challenges that need to be addressed to translate laboratory research into clinical practice and the latest advancements in this field. Full article

The combination of nanoemulgel and phytochemistry has resulted in several recent discoveries in the field of topical delivery systems. The present study aimed to prepare nanoemulgel based on turmeric (Curcuma longa) and neem (Azadirachta indica) against microbial infection as topical drug delivery. Olive oil (oil phase), Tween 80 (surfactant), and PEG600 (co-surfactant) were used for the preparation of nanoemulsion. Carbopol 934 was used as a gelling agent to convert the nanoemulsion to nanoemulgel and promote the control of the release of biological properties of turmeric and neem. The nanoemulsion was characterized based on particle size distribution, PDI values, and compatibility using FTIR analysis. In contrast, the nanoemulgel was evaluated based on pH, viscosity, spreadability, plant extract and excipient compatibility or physical state, in vitro study, ex vivo mucoadhesive study, antimicrobial properties, and stability. The resulting nanoemulsion was homogeneous and stable during the centrifugation process, with the smallest droplets and low PDI values. FTIR analysis also confirmed good compatibility and absence of phase separation between the oil substance, surfactant, and co-surfactant with both plant extracts. The improved nanoemulgel also demonstrated a smooth texture, good consistency, good pH, desired viscosity, ex vivo mucoadhesive strength with the highest spreadability, and 18 h in vitro drug release. Additionally, it exhibited better antimicrobial properties against different microbial strains. Stability studies also revealed that the product had good rheological properties and physicochemical state for a period of over 3 months. The present study affirmed that turmeric- and neem-based nanoemulgel is a promising alternative for microbial infection particularly associated with microorganisms via topical application. Full article

In this study, a novel supramolecular composite, “photogels”, was synthesized by mixing of cysteine–silver sol (CSS) and methylene blue (MB). A complex of modern physico-chemical methods of analysis such as viscosimetry, UV spectroscopy, dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed that MB molecules are uniformly localized mainly in the space between fibers of the gel-network formed by CSS particles. Molecules of the dye also bind with the surface of CSS particles by non-covalent interactions. This fact is reflected in the appearance of a synergistic anticancer effect of gels against human squamous cell carcinoma even in the absence of light irradiation. A mild toxic influence of hydrogels was observed in normal keratinocyte cells. Photodynamic exposure significantly increased gel activity, and there remained a synergistic effect. The study of free-radical oxidation in cells has shown that gels are not only capable of generating reactive oxygen species, but also have other targets of action. Flow cytometric analysis allowed us to find out that obtained hydrogels caused cell cycle arrest both without irradiation and with light exposure. The obtained gels are of considerable interest both from the point of view of academics and applied science, for example, in the photodynamic therapy of superficial neoplasms. Full article

Metallic nanoparticles are of growing interest due to their broad applications. This study presents the green synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (ZnNPs) using Ganoderma Lucidum mushroom extract, characterized by DLS, SEM, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy analyses. The synthesis parameters, including extract/salt ratio and mixing time, significantly influenced nanoparticle yield, size, and polydispersity, with longer mixing times leading to larger, more varied particles. Specifically, the sizes of ZnNPs synthesized at a 1:1 extract/ZnCl₂ ratio after 3 h and 24 h were 90.0 nm and 243.3 nm, with PDI values of 48.69% and 51.91%, respectively. At a 1:2 ratio, the sizes were 242.3 nm at 3 h (PDI: 43.19%) and a mixture of 1.5 nm, 117.4 nm, and 647.9 nm at 24 h (PDI: 2.72%, 10.97%, and 12.43%). Polymer films incorporating PVA, chitosan, and ZnNPs were analyzed for their morphological, spectroscopic, and mechanical properties. Chitosan reduced tensile strength and elongation due to its brittleness, while ZnNPs further increased film brittleness and structural degradation. A comparison of the tensile strength of films A and C revealed that the addition of chitosan to the PVA film resulted in an approximately 10.71% decrease in tensile strength. Similarly, the analysis of films B1 and B2 showed that the tensile strength of the B2 film decreased by 10.53%. Swelling tests showed that ZnNPs initially enhanced swelling, but excessive amounts led to reduced capacity due to aggregation. This pioneering study demonstrates the potential of Ganoderma Lucidum extract in nanoparticle synthesis and provides foundational insights for future research, especially in wound dressing applications. Full article

This review presents a comparative analysis of gelation properties in plant-based versus animal-based proteins, emphasizing key factors such as pH, ionic environment, temperature, and anti-nutritional factors. Gelation, a crucial process in food texture formation, is influenced by these factors in varying ways for plant and animal proteins. Animal proteins, like casein, whey, meat, and egg, generally show stable gelation properties, responding predictably to pH, temperature, and ionic changes. In contrast, plant proteins such as soy, pea, wheat, and oilseed show more variable gelation, often requiring specific conditions, like the presence of NaCl or optimal pH, to form effective gels. Animal proteins tend to gel more reliably, while plant proteins require precise environmental adjustments for similar results. Understanding these factors is crucial for selecting and processing proteins to achieve desired textures and functionalities in food products. This review highlights how changing these key factors can optimize gel properties in both plant- and animal-based proteins. Full article

This study aimed to develop HGs based on cationic guar gum (CGG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), propylene glycol (PG), and citric acid (CA) using a 2^k factorial experimental design to optimize their properties. HGs were characterized through FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The biological activities of HGs were determined by evaluating their mucoadhesive capacity and antibacterial activity in vitro, whereas their toxicity was analyzed using Artemia salina nauplii as an in vivo model. Results revealed that HGs were successfully optimized for their viscosity, pH, and sensory properties, and it was observed that varying concentrations of PEG-75 did not influence them. Through SEM analyses, it was noted that increased levels of PEG-75 resulted in HGs with distinct porosity and textures, whereas FTIR and Raman spectroscopy exhibited representative peaks of the raw materials used during the synthesis process. TGA studies indicated the thermal stability of HGs, as they presented degradation patterns at 100 and 300 °C. The synthesized HGs exhibited similar mucoadhesion kinetic profiles, demonstrating a displacement factor at an equilibrium of 0.57 mm/mg at 5 min. The antibacterial activity of HGs was appraised as poor against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria due to their MIC₉₀ values (>500 μg/mL). Regarding A. salina, treatment with HGs neither decreased their viability nor induced morphological changes. The obtained results suggest the suitability of CGG/PEG HGs for oral mucosa drug delivery and expand the knowledge about their mucoadhesive capacity, antibacterial potential, and in vivo biocompatibility. Full article

In the field of high-end equipment, the synergistic effect of friction-reducing agents plays an important role in the performance study of gel grease. Exploring its tribological and rheological properties can not only significantly reduce the coefficient of friction of mechanical components and enhance its viscosity at high temperatures but also effectively reduce energy consumption, thus improving the service life of high-end equipment. In this study, Schaeffler Load 460 gel grease was mixed with polysiloxane viscosity modifier (PV611) and molybdenum dialkyl dithiocarbamate (RFM3000) according to (3:1, 1:1, and 1:3), and its tribological properties and rheological properties were investigated by the MRS-10G friction and wear tester, MCR302 rotational rheometer, and crossover test. Comparative analyses of tribological and rheological properties were carried out. The results showed that the average coefficient of friction of Schaeffler Load 460 grease was reduced by 57.2%, 60%, and 71.9%, respectively, with the addition of two different ratios of friction reducers; the average diameter of abrasive spots was reduced by 44.5%, 55.4%, and 61.3%; and the shear stress and viscosity were increased by 117.94 Pa and 1295.02 mPa∙s, respectively, compared with that of the original grease, which is a good example for the lubrication of gel grease in the high-end equipment industry. This study provides a new direction and idea for the lubrication research of gel grease in the high-end equipment industry. Full article

This observational study reports the process for the manufacture of RAPID^TM Biodynamic Haematogel and explores the properties of the platelet and leukocyte-rich plasma gels formed. Gels were manufactured from 60 mL of human blood using the protocol of Biotherapy Services. Platelet and leukocyte content, time-to-gel, gel weight and the temporal profile of liquid exudation from the gels were measured, along with the content of growth factors VEGF and PDGF in the releasate. The effect of the releasate on human keratinocyte (HaCat) cell proliferation was also determined. The platelet and leukocyte concentrations in donor blood were 1.60–8.10 × 10⁸ and 1.00 × 10⁶–2.00 × 10⁷ cells/mL, which were concentrated 2.67- and 1.12-fold, respectively, during processing. Structurally weak gels were formed which exuded a clear liquid releasate (77.4% w/w of gel weight over 60 min) that contained 278 pg/mL VEGF and 1319 pg/mL PDGF. The releasate produced concentration-dependent proliferation of HaCat cells: 5–15% releasate produced a 2.7–8.9-fold increase in growth over 48 h. In conclusion, we have described the point-of-care manufacturing protocol and characterised the gel properties of RAPID^TM Biodynamic Haematogel. This is an essential first step towards identifying, understanding and controlling critical processing parameters that impact on this medicinal product’s quality. Full article

Biomaterials, such as hydrogels, have an increasingly important role in the development of regenerative approaches for the intervertebral disc. Since animal models usually resist biomaterial injection due to high intradiscal pressure, preclinical testing of the biomechanical performance of biomaterials after implantation remains difficult. Papain reduces the intradiscal pressure, creates cavities within the disc, and allows for biomaterial injections. But papain digestion needs time, and cadaver experiments that are limited to 24 h for measuring range of motion (ROM) cannot not be combined with papain digestion just yet. In this study, we successfully demonstrate a new organ culture approach, facilitating papain digestion to create cavities in the disc and the testing of ROM, neutral zone (NZ), and disc height. Papain treatment increased the ROM by up to 109.5%, extended NZ by up to 210.9%, and decreased disc height by 1.96 ± 0.74 mm. A median volume of 0.73 mL hydrogel could be injected after papain treatment, and histology revealed a strong loss of proteoglycans in the remaining nucleus tissue. Papain has the same biomechanical effects as known from nucleotomies or herniations and thus creates a disc model to study such pathologies in vitro. This new model can now be used to test the performance of biomaterials. Full article

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) induction parameters on the formation and properties of inulin–soy protein hydrogels. Solutions containing 20 g/100 g of inulin and 3 or 6 g/100 g of soy protein isolate (3 SPI; 6 SPI) were subjected to HHPs of 150, 300, or 500 MPa for 5, 10, or 20 min. The HHP parameters had no significant impact on the effectiveness of hydrogel formation. In most cases, the time of solution pressurization had no significant effect on the characteristics of hydrogels. However, increasing the induction pressure from 150 to 300 MPa resulted in hydrogels with different characteristics being obtained, e.g., more flattened microstructure; higher stability (only 3 SPI); higher yield stress, firmness, and adhesiveness; and lower spreadability. These changes were more noticeable in the hydrogels with lower protein content. An increase in the induction pressure (to 500 MPa) did not result in a significant strengthening of the hydrogel structure. However, in the case of 6 SPI hydrogels, induction with a pressure of 500 MPa had an unfavorable effect on their stability. The results indicate that HHP (300 MPa) can be used as an effective method for strengthening the structure of inulin–protein hydrogels. Full article

Chinese herbs are a huge treasure trove of natural products and an important source of many active molecules. The theory of traditional Chinese medicine compatibility (TCMC) is widely applied in clinical practice, but its mechanism is still ambiguous. This study aims to open a new window for this predicament by studying the interaction between the main active ingredients from a drug pair. Carrier-free assembly of natural products improves the shortcomings of traditional nanodelivery systems and opens a new path for the development of new nanomaterials. The drug pair “Pueraria and Hedyotis diffusa” has been commonly used in clinical practice, with a predominant therapeutic effect. This study is devoted to the study of the binary small molecule co-assembly of the main active molecules from the drug pair. In this study, we introduce a carrier-free composite gel, formed by the co-assembly of puerarin (PUE) and deacetylasperulosidic acid (DAA) via non-covalent bonds including π–π packing, intermolecular hydrogen bonding, and C=O π interactions. With a strain point 7-fold higher than that of P gel, the P − D gel exhibited favorable rheological properties. The survival rate of SW1990 cells in the P − D group was only 21.39% when the concentration of administration reached 200 μM. It thus demonstrated activity in inhibiting SW1990 cells’ survival, suggesting potential in combating pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, this research offers a valuable concept for enhancing the mechanical properties and bioactivity of hydrogel materials through the utilization of a multi-component natural small molecule co-assembly approach. More importantly, this provides new ideas and methods for the treatment of pancreatic cancer and the analysis of traditional Chinese medicine compatibility theory. Full article

Irreversible fibrosis following myocardial infarction (MI) stiffens the infarcted myocardium, which remains challenging to restore. This study aimed to investigate whether the injectable RLP12 hydrogel, derived from recombinant resilin protein, could serve as a vehicle for stem cells to enhance the function of the infarcted myocardium. The RLP12 hydrogel was prepared and injected into the myocardium of rats with MI, and brown adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BADSCs) were loaded. The survival and differentiation of BADSCs in vivo were investigated using immunofluorescence one week and four weeks after treatment, respectively. The heart function, MI area, collagen deposition, and microvessel density were further assessed four weeks after treatment through echocardiography, histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. The RLP12 hydrogel was prepared with a shear modulus of 10–15 kPa. Four weeks after transplantation, the RLP12 hydrogel significantly improved cardiac function by increasing microvessel density and reducing infarct area size and collagen deposition in MI rats. Furthermore, the distribution ratio of collagen III to I increased in both the centre and edge areas of the MI, indicating the improved compliance of the infarct heart. Moreover, the RLP12 hydrogel also promoted the survival and differentiation of BADSCs into cardiac troponin T- and α-smooth muscle-positive cells. The RLP12 hydrogel can be utilised as an injectable vehicle of BADSCs for treating MI and regulating collagen I and III expression profiles to improve the mechanical microenvironment of the infarct site, thereby restoring heart function. The study provides novel insights into the mechanical interactions between the hydrogel and the infarct microenvironment. Full article

Rhodamine 6G (R6G) and 4-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (NBD) linked through a spacer molecule spermidine (spd), R6G-spd-NBD, produces a fluorescent probe with pH-sensitive FRET (Förster (fluorescence) resonance energy transfer) effect that can be useful in a variety of diagnostic applications. Specifically, cancer cells can be spotted due to a local decrease in pH (Warburg effect). In this research, we applied this approach to intracellular infectious diseases—namely, leishmaniasis, brucellosis, and tuberculosis, difficult to treat because of their localization inside macrophages. R6G-spd-NBD offers an opportunity to detect such bacteria and potentially deliver therapeutic targets to treat them. The nanogel formulation of the R6G-spd-NBD probe (nanoparticles based on chitosan or heparin grafted with lipoic acid residues, Chit-LA and Hep-LA) was obtained to improve the pH sensitivity in the desired pH range (5.5–7.5), providing selective visualization and targeting of bacterial cells, thereby enhancing the capabilities of CLSM (confocal laser scanning microscopy) imaging. According to AFM (atomic force microscopy) data, nanogel particles containing R6G-spd-NBD of compact structure and spherical shape are formed, with a diameter of 70–100 nm. The nanogel formulation of the R6G-spd-NBD further improves absorption and penetration into bacteria, including those located inside macrophages. Due to the negative charge of the bacteria surface, the absorption of positively charged R6G-spd-NBD, and even more so in the chitosan derivatives’ nanogel particles, is pronounced. Additionally, with a pH-sensitive R6G-spd-NBD fluorescent probe, the macrophages’ lysosomes can be easily distinguished due to their acidic pH environment. CLSM was used to visualize samples of macrophage cells containing absorbed bacteria. The created nanoparticles showed a significant selectivity to model E. coli vs. Lactobacillus bacterial cells, and the R6G-spd-NBD agent, being a mild bactericide, cleared over 50% E.coli in conditions where Lactobacillus remained almost unaffected. Taken together, our data indicate that R6G-spd-NBD, as well as similar compounds, can have value not only for diagnostic, but also for theranostic applications. Full article

Hydrogels are widely used in tissue engineering due to their ability to form three-dimensional (3D) structures that support cellular functions and mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM). Despite their advantages, dextran-based hydrogels lack intrinsic biological activity, limiting their use in this field. Here, we present a strategy for developing bioactive hydrogels through sequential thiol–maleimide bio-functionalization and enzyme-catalyzed crosslinking. The hydrogel network is formed through the reaction of tyramine moieties in the presence of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), allowing for tunable gelation time and stiffness by adjusting H₂O₂ concentrations. Maleimide groups on the hydrogel backbone enable the coupling of thiol-containing bioactive molecules, such as arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD) peptides, to enhance biological activity. We examined the effects of hydrogel stiffness and RGD concentration on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) during differentiation and found that hMSCs encapsulated within these hydrogels exhibited over 88% cell viability on day 1 across all conditions, with a slight reduction to 60–81% by day 14. Furthermore, the hydrogels facilitated adipogenic differentiation, as evidenced by positive Oil Red O staining. These findings demonstrate that DexTA–Mal hydrogels create a biocompatible environment that is conducive to cell viability and differentiation, offering a versatile platform for future tissue engineering applications. Full article

In this work an innovative approach was developed to address a significant challenge in the field of radiation dosimetry: the accurate measurement of spatial dose distributions using Fricke gel dosimeters. Hydrogels are widely used in radiation dosimetry due to their ability to simulate the tissue-equivalent properties of human tissue, making them ideal for measuring and mapping radiation dose distributions. Among the various gel dosimeters, Fricke gels exploit the radiation-induced oxidation of ferrous ions to ferric ions and are particularly notable due to their sensitivity. The concentration of ferric ions can be measured using various techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or spectrophotometry. While Fricke gels offer several advantages, a significant hurdle to their widespread application is the diffusion of ferric ions within the gel matrix. This phenomenon leads to a blurring of the dose distribution over time, compromising the accuracy of dose measurements. To mitigate the issue of ferric ion diffusion, researchers have explored various strategies such as the incorporation of additives or modification of the gel composition to either reduce the mobility of ferric ions or stabilize the gel matrix. The computational method proposed leverages the power of artificial intelligence, particularly deep learning, to mitigate the effects of ferric ion diffusion that can compromise measurement precision. By employing Physics Informed Neural Networks (PINNs), the method introduces a novel way to apply physical laws directly within the learning process, optimizing the network to adhere to the principles governing ion diffusion. This is particularly advantageous for solving the partial differential equations that describe the diffusion process in 2D and 3D. By inputting the spatial distribution of ferric ions at a given time, along with boundary conditions and the diffusion coefficient, the model can backtrack to accurately reconstruct the original ion distribution. This capability is crucial for enhancing the fidelity of 3D spatial dose measurements, ensuring that the data reflect the true dose distribution without the artifacts introduced by ion migration. Here, multidimensional models able to handle 2D and 3D data were developed and tested against dose distributions numerically evolved in time from 20 to 100 h. The results in terms of various metrics show a significant agreement in both 2D and 3D dose distributions. In particular, the mean square error of the prediction spans the range $1\times {10}^{-6}$–$1\times {10}^{-4}$, while the gamma analysis results in a 90–100% passing rate with 3%/2 mm, depending on the elapsed time, the type of distribution modeled and the dimensionality. This method could expand the applicability of Fricke gel dosimeters to a wider range of measurement tasks, from simple planar dose assessments to intricate volumetric analyses. The proposed technique holds great promise for overcoming the limitations imposed by ion diffusion in Fricke gel dosimeters. Full article

Anemia is a global health problem that affects both adults and children, but treatment is hampered by serious side effects, primarily associated with the gastrointestinal tract with oral administration of drugs. In this study, we aimed to develop an oral form of iron compounds using polymethylsilsesquioxane hydrogels. To boost loading efficiency and prolong release, the iron compounds (FeCl₃ and ferrous D-Gluconate) are incorporated into a guest–host complex with 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin. We used PRXD, SEM, EDX mapping, and FTIR to investigate the complex formation, as well as the incorporation of such complexes into hydrogels. The optimal system underlines a combination of ferrous D-Gluconate and HPCD in a 1:1 molar ratio, embedded into a hydrogel with a modest quantity of silicate crosslinks. We demonstrated the slowing of iron release in a gastric media. Mathematical investigation revealed that the Higuchi mechanism releases iron from the hydrogel. Full article