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Gels
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Polymeric Hydrogels for Biomedical Application (2nd Edition)
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Polymeric Hydrogels for Biomedical Application (2nd Edition)

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 8694

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ion Cosmin Călina

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Electron Accelerators Laboratory, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomiștilor St., 077125 Măgurele, Romania
Interests: polymers; hydrogels; radiation; crosslinking; biocompatibility; biomaterials; wound dressing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Muhammad Asim Raza

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongbuk 38541, Republic of Korea
Interests: polymers; hydrogels; crosslinking; drug delivery; wound healing; tissue Engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in polymeric hydrogel research, focusing on synthesis, characterization, and multifaceted applications. By harnessing innovative synthesis techniques. The applications of polymeric hydrogels are wide-ranging and impactful. Biomedical applications include drug/gene delivery for precision therapy, wound healing/dressing, tissue engineering, and 3D-printed scaffolds for regenerative medicine.

This Special Issue invites original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that delve into the diverse aspects of polymeric hydrogels. Topics of interest include the following:

  • Novel synthesis strategies and design principles for polymeric hydrogels;
  • Advances in characterizing hydrogel structures and properties;
  • Responsive and functional hydrogels for various biomedical applications;
  • Industrial implementations and technological innovations utilizing polymeric hydrogels.

We welcome contributions that will not only deepen our understanding of polymeric hydrogels but also inspire novel applications across disciplines. This collection of work promises to foster collaboration, stimulate further research, and accelerate the translation of polymeric hydrogel research into real-world solutions.

Dr. Ion Cosmin Călina
Dr. Muhammad Asim Raza
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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

  • polymers
  • hydrogels
  • crosslinking
  • radiation
  • biocompatibility
  • drug delivery
  • wound healing
  • tissue engineering

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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31 pages, 2890 KB  
Article
QbD Approach for Development of a Mucoadhesive Thermosensitive Gel for Oral Application: Risk Assessment Followed by Screening and Optimization
by Elena Dinte, Ioan Tomuță, Rareș Iuliu Iovanov, Tibor Casian, Ana Marcela Achim, Aranka Ilea, Adina Bianca Bosca and Horațiu Rotar
Gels 2026, 12(4), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12040331 - 16 Apr 2026
Viewed by 112
Abstract
The study aimed to develop a mucoadhesive thermosensitive buccal gel capable of forming an artificial clot after application in the extraction socket and providing prolonged release for metronidazole (MZ) and ibuprofen (IB). The critical quality attributes of the product were systematically evaluated using [...] Read more.
The study aimed to develop a mucoadhesive thermosensitive buccal gel capable of forming an artificial clot after application in the extraction socket and providing prolonged release for metronidazole (MZ) and ibuprofen (IB). The critical quality attributes of the product were systematically evaluated using Ishikawa (cause–effect) diagrams as a risk assessment tool, considering the factors related to the formulation, process, and methodology. Subsequently, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) was used to identify the critical parameters of the formulation and process characterized by a high probability of occurrence and a significant impact on product performance. The influence of qualitative and quantitative formulation variables was further investigated using two experimental designs, applied for both screening and optimization purposes. The rheological, adhesion, and in vitro release properties of the drugs were studied, and the optimized formulation for these characteristics contains Poloxamer 407 20.99% and HPMC K100M:K4M 1:1, 0.74%. The release of MZ and IB was prolonged over 8 h and followed Peppas’s kinetics. The optimized formula had an appropriate pH and an acceptable ex vivo mucoadhesion time. Stability studies revealed the preservation of mechanical properties and a recovery coefficient for MZ and IB of over 90%, after 12 months of storage. The optimized formula may be a potential candidate for the prevention of alveolar osteitis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Hydrogels for Biomedical Application (2nd Edition))
18 pages, 2739 KB  
Article
Influence of Composition and Network Formation Sequence on the Responsive Behavior of Double-Network Hydrogels
by Lenka Hanyková, Julie Šťastná and Ivan Krakovský
Gels 2026, 12(3), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12030260 - 21 Mar 2026
Viewed by 241
Abstract
This study investigates how the composition and synthesis sequence affect the structure and responsive behavior of single-network (SN) and double-network (DN) hydrogels composed of poly(N,N’-diethylacrylamide) (PDEAAm) and polyacrylamide (PAAm). DN hydrogels were prepared in two configurations, PDEAAm/PAAm and PAAm/PDEAAm, and compared [...] Read more.
This study investigates how the composition and synthesis sequence affect the structure and responsive behavior of single-network (SN) and double-network (DN) hydrogels composed of poly(N,N’-diethylacrylamide) (PDEAAm) and polyacrylamide (PAAm). DN hydrogels were prepared in two configurations, PDEAAm/PAAm and PAAm/PDEAAm, and compared with SN copolymer hydrogels of varying DEAAm/AAm ratios. 1H NMR spectroscopy revealed that DN hydrogels exhibit significant heterogeneity due to polymer-rich domains, impacting the accuracy of compositional determination and leading to broad NMR signals. Temperature-dependent NMR and gravimetric swelling analyses were used to quantify thermoresponsive behavior, showing that SN copolymer hydrogels exhibit composition-dependent phase transition parameters, while DN hydrogels show relatively constant transition parameters due to heterogeneous structures. NMR relaxation studies of water molecules identified “free” and “bound” molecules whose dynamics differ markedly above the transition temperature, especially in DN systems. Finally, the swelling behavior in water–acetone mixtures was examined, revealing distinct responses depending on hydrogel composition and thermal state. PAAm-rich hydrogels showed abrupt deswelling near 40 vol% acetone, while PDEAAm-based hydrogels responded more gradually. The findings demonstrate that both composition and network formation order critically influence the structural, thermal, and solvent-responsive properties of hydrogels, offering insights for the design of stimuli-responsive materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Hydrogels for Biomedical Application (2nd Edition))
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17 pages, 8259 KB  
Article
NMR/MRI Techniques to Characterize Alginate-Based Gel Rafts for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
by Ewelina Baran, Piotr Kulinowski, Marek Król and Przemysław Dorożyński
Gels 2025, 11(9), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11090749 - 17 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3162
Abstract
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with symptoms such as heartburn, resulting from gastric content reflux. Alginate-based raft-forming gel formulations represent a non-pharmacological strategy for GERD management by forming a floating gel barrier in the stomach. This study evaluated three commercial anti-reflux oral [...] Read more.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with symptoms such as heartburn, resulting from gastric content reflux. Alginate-based raft-forming gel formulations represent a non-pharmacological strategy for GERD management by forming a floating gel barrier in the stomach. This study evaluated three commercial anti-reflux oral gel systems under simulated fed-state gastric conditions, using in vitro magnetic resonance relaxometry techniques. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 0.01 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) to visualize gel raft formation, spatial structure, and spatial distribution of effective T2 relaxation time. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry in 0.01 M deuterium chloride (DCl) measured T1 and T2 relaxation times of the protons that were initially included in the preparation to assess its molecular mobility within the gel matrix. Two formulations formed floating, coherent gels, whereas the remaining one exhibited only polymer swelling without flotation. In one case, relaxometry data revealed a solid-like component that can be detected, indicating enhanced mechanical stability. The performance of each formulation was influenced by interactions among alginate, bicarbonates, and calcium ions, which determined gel consistency and flotation behavior. MRI and NMR relaxometry in vitro provide valuable non-invasive insights into the structural and functional behavior of alginate-based gel formulations. This approach supports the rational design of advanced gel-based therapies for GERD by linking molecular composition with in situ performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Hydrogels for Biomedical Application (2nd Edition))
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Review

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25 pages, 1783 KB  
Review
Nanostructured Hydrogels: A Method to Prevent Biofilms on Implantable Medical Devices
by Hasani G. Jayasinghe, Ujith S. K. Madduma-Bandarage and Sundar V. Madihally
Gels 2026, 12(2), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12020146 - 5 Feb 2026
Viewed by 633
Abstract
Microbial biofilms pose significant health risks by causing infections associated with prosthetic and indwelling medical devices. Factors such as the high tolerance levels of biofilm microorganisms to antibiotics and the inability of antimicrobial agents to penetrate the biofilm matrix render antibiotic-based treatment methods [...] Read more.
Microbial biofilms pose significant health risks by causing infections associated with prosthetic and indwelling medical devices. Factors such as the high tolerance levels of biofilm microorganisms to antibiotics and the inability of antimicrobial agents to penetrate the biofilm matrix render antibiotic-based treatment methods ineffective against biofilm-related infections. Surfaces patterned with nanoscale topographical features have shown promising results in controlling the attachment of microorganisms. Therefore, nanopatterning of surfaces provides an excellent alternative to the existing antibiotic-based therapies. There are many techniques, such as photolithography and soft lithography, for patterning polymer or metal surfaces. However, depending on the cost, toxicity, feature size, and material compatibility, these methods have limitations. Although hydrogels have garnered special interest as biomaterials due to their biocompatibility and resemblance to the natural biological environment, hydrogels with surface nanopatterns have not been widely investigated as anti-biofouling materials. The applicability of hydrogels in biomedical applications and the importance of inhibiting microbial biofilms underscore the need for further research into the manufacturing of nanoengineered hydrogels with diverse topographical features. In this review, we discuss how nanostructured hydrogels inhibit biofilm formation. Further, we discuss nanopatterning methods, their limitations, advantages, and disadvantages. This article also highlights the current state of research on nanostructured hydrogels and associated challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Hydrogels for Biomedical Application (2nd Edition))
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31 pages, 2539 KB  
Review
Metallogels as Hybrid Metal-Organic Soft Materials: Classification, Fabrication Pathways and Functional Applications
by Maciej Grabowski, Tomasz Grygier and Anna Trusek
Gels 2026, 12(2), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12020124 - 1 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 803
Abstract
Metallogels constitute a rapidly expanding class of hybrid soft materials in which metal ions, metal complexes, or metal-containing nanoparticles play a decisive structural and functional role within a three-dimensional gel network. Their unique combination of supramolecular assembly, metal-ligand coordination, and dynamic network behaviour [...] Read more.
Metallogels constitute a rapidly expanding class of hybrid soft materials in which metal ions, metal complexes, or metal-containing nanoparticles play a decisive structural and functional role within a three-dimensional gel network. Their unique combination of supramolecular assembly, metal-ligand coordination, and dynamic network behaviour provides tunable mechanical, optical, electrical, redox, and catalytic properties that are not accessible in conventional hydrogels or organogels. This review systematically summarises current knowledge on metallogels, beginning with a classification based on matrix type, dominant metal interaction and functional output, spanning metallohydrogels, metal-organic gels, metal-phenolic gels, nanoparticle-based gels, polymer-based metallogels and low-molecular-weight metallogels. Key synthesis pathways are discussed, including coordination-chemistry-driven formation, metal-ligand self-assembly, in situ reduction, diffusion-mediated strategies, sol-gel-like polymerisation, enzyme-assisted routes, and bio-derived fabrication. Particular emphasis is placed on structure-function relationships that enable the development of catalytic, conductive, luminescent, antimicrobial, and biomedical metallogels. The examples compiled here highlight the versatility and transformative potential of metallogels in next-generation soft technologies, including sensing, energy conversion, wound healing, drug delivery, and emerging applications such as soft electronics and on-skin catalytic or bioactive patches. By mapping current progress and emerging design principles, this review aims to support the rational engineering of metallogels for advanced technological and biomedical applications Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Hydrogels for Biomedical Application (2nd Edition))
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26 pages, 2347 KB  
Review
Hydrogels for Bone Regeneration: Properties, Additives, Preclinical and Clinical Applications
by Nesya Graupe, Saliha Ahmad, Ahmad Zia, Michael Hadjiargyrou and Azhar Ilyas
Gels 2025, 11(11), 914; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11110914 - 16 Nov 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3254
Abstract
Severe bone loss from trauma, fractures, tumor resections, and disease are devastating injuries that do not heal completely without external, and most of the time surgical, interventions. Although surgical interventions such as bone grafts and metal prostheses are commonly employed, these conventional approaches [...] Read more.
Severe bone loss from trauma, fractures, tumor resections, and disease are devastating injuries that do not heal completely without external, and most of the time surgical, interventions. Although surgical interventions such as bone grafts and metal prostheses are commonly employed, these conventional approaches present several limitations, including limited donors, risks of immune rejection and postoperative inflammation, and significant pain experienced by both donors and recipients. Hydrogels offer a promising alternative because of their controllable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and structural resemblance to the extracellular matrix. In addition, hydrogels can be modified with substances such as growth factors, hormones, and drugs to facilitate accelerated bone repair. This review summarizes the recent advances in hydrogel development for bone repair, their structural design, biological functionality, and preclinical and clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Hydrogels for Biomedical Application (2nd Edition))
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