Research on Hydrogels for Controlled Drug Delivery

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2024) | Viewed by 8877

Special Issue Editors

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
Interests: nanomedicine; biomaterials; targeted drug delivery; pharmacokinetics; women and children’s health

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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
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Drug delivery systems have become increasingly important in the field of pharmaceuticals and biomedicine. Hydrogels, which are networks of crosslinked polymer chains capable of absorbing and releasing large amounts of water and other molecules, are gaining traction in the field of drug delivery due to their excellent biocompatibility, flexibility, and ability to control drug release profiles. This Special Issue seeks to explore the latest developments in hydrogel-based drug delivery systems and the potential applications of these systems in the fields of medicine and biotechnology.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research on hydrogels for controlled drug delivery. The focus is on both theoretical and experimental research that covers novel hydrogel materials and drug delivery systems, their applications in medicine and biotechnology, and their potential clinical use. The Special Issue will also include studies on the synthesis, characterization, and properties of hydrogels and their applications in drug delivery.

The goal of this Special Issue is to bring together experts in the field of hydrogel-based drug delivery to discuss recent advances in the field and to share their knowledge and insights. We invite investigators to contribute original research articles, review articles, short communications, etc.

Dr. Xin Wei
Prof. Dr. David Mills
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • hydrogels
  • drug delivery
  • controlled release system
  • biodegradable hydrogels
  • tissue engineering
  • biodegradable hydrogels
  • smart hydrogels

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 8266 KiB  
Article
Ibuprofen-Loaded Silver Nanoparticle-Doped PVA Gels: Green Synthesis, In Vitro Cytotoxicity, and Antibacterial Analyses
by Ezgi Altınay, Fatma Zehra Köse, Sezen Canım Ateş and Kadriye Kızılbey
Gels 2024, 10(2), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10020143 - 14 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2192
Abstract
In contrast to conventional drug delivery systems, controlled drug release systems employ distinct methodologies. These systems facilitate the release of active substances in predetermined quantities and for specified durations. Polymer hydrogels have gained prominence in controlled drug delivery because of their unique swelling–shrinkage [...] Read more.
In contrast to conventional drug delivery systems, controlled drug release systems employ distinct methodologies. These systems facilitate the release of active substances in predetermined quantities and for specified durations. Polymer hydrogels have gained prominence in controlled drug delivery because of their unique swelling–shrinkage behavior and ability to regulate drug release. In this investigation, films with a hydrogel structure were crafted using polyvinyl alcohol, a biocompatible polymer, and silver nanoparticles. Following characterization, ibuprofen was loaded into the hydrogels to evaluate their drug release capacity. The particle sizes of silver nanoparticles synthesized using a green approach were determined. This study comprehensively examined the structural properties, morphological features, mechanical strength, and cumulative release patterns of the prepared films. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis was employed to assess the cell viability of drug-loaded hydrogel films, and their antibacterial effects were examined. The results indicated that hydrogel films containing 5% and 10% polyvinyl alcohol released 89% and 97% of the loaded drug, respectively, by day 14. The release kinetics fits the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. This study, which describes nanoparticle-enhanced polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel systems prepared through a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach, is anticipated to contribute to the existing literature and serve as a foundational study for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Hydrogels for Controlled Drug Delivery)
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12 pages, 1244 KiB  
Article
Thermosensitive Intravitreal In Situ Implant of Cefuroxime Based on Poloxamer 407 and Hyaluronic Acid
by Elena O. Bakhrushina, Anastasia I. Dubova, Maria S. Nikonenko, Viktoriya V. Grikh, Marina M. Shumkova, Tatyana V. Korochkina, Ivan I. Krasnyuk, Jr. and Ivan I. Krasnyuk
Gels 2023, 9(9), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9090693 - 28 Aug 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1597
Abstract
The main method of treatment and prevention of endophthalmitis is a combination of intravitreal and topical administration of antibiotics, such as cefuroxime moxifloxacin or vancomycin. However, this method is ineffective due to the rapid elimination of the drug. This problem can be solved [...] Read more.
The main method of treatment and prevention of endophthalmitis is a combination of intravitreal and topical administration of antibiotics, such as cefuroxime moxifloxacin or vancomycin. However, this method is ineffective due to the rapid elimination of the drug. This problem can be solved with the help of intravitreal in situ injection systems, which are injected with a syringe into the vitreous body and provide prolonged action of the drug at the focus of inflammation. Under the influence of temperature, the liquid drug undergoes a phase transition and turns into a gel after injection. This ensures its prolonged action. The study aimed to develop an intravitreal in situ cefuroxime delivery system for the treatment of endophthalmitis based on a thermosensitive biodegradable composition of poloxamer 407 and hyaluronic acid. A combination of poloxamer Kolliphor® P407, Kolliphor® P188, and PrincipHYAL® hyaluronic acids of different molecular weights was used as a delivery system. The potency of cefuroxime solid dispersion with polyvinylpyrrolidone-10000, polyethylene glycol-400, and polyethylene glycol-1500 in a 1:2 ratio was studied for prolonged action compared to cefuroxime substance. The experimental formulations were studied for the parameters of gelation temperature in a long-term test (4 months), pH, and release of cefuroxime using dialysis bags. To study the distribution parameter in the vitreous body, an in vitro model (1/13) was developed, which was a hollow agar sphere filled with 1% (w/v) polyacrylate gel. For the superior formulations, a HET-CAM test (chorioallantoic membrane test) was performed to determine the absence of irritant effects. According to the study results, a formulation containing a solid dispersion of cefuroxime:PEG-400 (1:2), the matrix of which contained 18% (w/v) Kolliphor® P407 poloxamer, 3% (w/v) Kolliphor® P188 poloxamer, and 0.5% (w/v) hyaluronic acid (1400–1800), was selected. This sample had an average gelation temperature of 34.6 °C, pH 6.7 ± 0.5, and a pronounced prolonged effect. Only 7.6% was released in 3 h of the experiment, whereas about 38% of cefuroxime was released in 72 h. No irritant effect on the chorioallantoic membrane was observed for any formulations studied. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Hydrogels for Controlled Drug Delivery)
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15 pages, 2818 KiB  
Article
Conceptualization and Investigation of Multicomponent Polymer Networks as Prospective Corticosteroid Carriers
by Dilyana Georgieva, Mariela Alexandrova, Sijka Ivanova, Darinka Christova and Bistra Kostova
Gels 2023, 9(6), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9060470 - 7 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1467
Abstract
Dexamethasone (DXM) is a highly potent and long-acting synthetic glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and immunosuppressive effects. However, the systemic application of DXM can cause undesirable side effects: sleep disorders, nervousness, heart rhythm disorders, heart attack, and others. In the present study, multicomponent polymer [...] Read more.
Dexamethasone (DXM) is a highly potent and long-acting synthetic glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and immunosuppressive effects. However, the systemic application of DXM can cause undesirable side effects: sleep disorders, nervousness, heart rhythm disorders, heart attack, and others. In the present study, multicomponent polymer networks were developed as potential new platforms for the dermal application of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP). First, a copolymer network (CPN) comprising hydrophilic segments of different chemical structures was synthesized by applying redox polymerization of dimethyl acrylamide onto poly(ethylene glycol) in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) as a crosslinker. On this basis, an interpenetrating polymer network structure (IPN) was obtained by introducing a second network of PEGDA-crosslinked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). Multicomponent networks obtained were characterized by FTIR, TGA, and swelling kinetics in different solvents. Both CPN and IPN showed a high swelling degree in aqueous media (up to 1800 and 1200%, respectively), reaching the equilibrium swelling within 24 h. Additionally, IPN showed temperature-responsive swelling in an aqueous solution as the equilibrium swelling degree decreased considerably with an increase in the temperature. In order to evaluate the networks’ potential as drug carriers, swelling in DSP aqueous solutions of varied concentration was investigated. It was established that the amount of encapsulated DSP could be easily controlled by the concentration of drug aqueous solution. In vitro DSP release was studied in buffer solution (BS) with pH 7.4 at 37 °C. The results obtained during DSP loading and release experiments proved the feasibility of the developed multicomponent hydrophilic polymer networks as effective platforms for potential dermal application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Hydrogels for Controlled Drug Delivery)
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Review

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19 pages, 1980 KiB  
Review
Emergence of Nano-Based Formulations for Effective Delivery of Flavonoids against Topical Infectious Disorders
by Khusbu Dwivedi, Ashok Kumar Mandal, Obaid Afzal, Abdulmalik Saleh Alfawaz Altamimi, Ankit Sahoo, Manal A. Alossaimi, Waleed H. Almalki, Abdulaziz Alzahrani, Md. Abul Barkat, Tahani M. Almeleebia, Shehla Nasar Mir Najib Ullah and Mahfoozur Rahman
Gels 2023, 9(8), 671; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9080671 - 18 Aug 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2881
Abstract
Flavonoids are hydroxylated phenolic substances in vegetables, fruits, flowers, seeds, wine, tea, nuts, propolis, and honey. They belong to a versatile category of natural polyphenolic compounds. Their biological function depends on various factors such as their chemical structure, degree of hydroxylation, degree of [...] Read more.
Flavonoids are hydroxylated phenolic substances in vegetables, fruits, flowers, seeds, wine, tea, nuts, propolis, and honey. They belong to a versatile category of natural polyphenolic compounds. Their biological function depends on various factors such as their chemical structure, degree of hydroxylation, degree of polymerization conjugation, and substitutions. Flavonoids have gained considerable attention among researchers, as they show a wide range of pharmacological activities, including coronary heart disease prevention, antioxidative, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, free-radical scavenging, anticancer, and anti-atherosclerotic activities. Plants synthesize flavonoid compounds in response to pathogen attacks, and these compounds exhibit potent antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral) activity against a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. However, certain antibacterial flavonoids have the ability to selectively target the cell wall of bacteria and inhibit virulence factors, including biofilm formation. Moreover, some flavonoids are known to reverse antibiotic resistance and enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotic drugs. However, due to their poor solubility in water, flavonoids have limited oral bioavailability. They are quickly metabolized in the gastrointestinal region, which limits their ability to prevent and treat various disorders. The integration of flavonoids into nanomedicine constitutes a viable strategy for achieving efficient cutaneous delivery owing to their favorable encapsulation capacity and diminished toxicity. The utilization of nanoparticles or nanoformulations facilitates drug delivery by targeting the drug to the specific site of action and exhibits excellent physicochemical stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Hydrogels for Controlled Drug Delivery)
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