Gels Integrated with Nanostructures for Innovative Functional Applications

Gels are highly dispersed systems with a three-dimensional network structure and multiple components of varying compositions. They possess significant potential for a wide range of functional applications. With the advent and rapid advancement of the nano era, the integration of gels and nanotechnology has increasingly attracted the attention of researchers. The raw materials for nanogel preparation, the technologies used in their creation, the further transformation of nanogels, and their diverse functional applications have all continuously benefited from innovations in modern nanotechnology, leading to new advancements.

The material world is governed by structural principles. Molecules serve as interfaces, bridging the gap between the pure chemical bond structures below them, such as covalent and ionic bonds, and the diverse aggregate structures above them. In particular, nanoscale multi-chamber structures have garnered significant attention in recent times. The classification of many nanotechnologies is based on the specific nanostructures they can produce. For instance, coaxial electrospinning is used to create core–sheath structured nanofibers, while coaxial electrospraying is employed to generate core–shell structured nanoparticles. Similarly, eccentric side-by-side electrospinning and electrospraying are utilized to produce Janus nanofibers and Janus nanoparticles, respectively. Among the three main developmental directions of nanotechnology—finer picotechnology, nanostructures and devices, and ordered alignments exemplified by various nanoarrays—nanostructures and devices have emerged as the predominant focus.

This Special Issue highlights the synergies between gels and novel nanotechnologies, which have enabled the creation of innovative nanostructures, nanofibers, nanoparticles, nanocomposites, and nanohybrids. These advancements have found extensive applications in various fields, including popular areas such as drug delivery, wound dressings, and medical devices, as well as in energy, environmental science, and food science and engineering. Contributions that provide new insights into the process–structure–performance relationships of nanogel-based systems are highly valued.

Prof. Dr. Deng-Guang Yu
Dr. Tao Yi
Guest Editors

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• • nanogels • hydrogels • natural hydrogels • synthetic hydrogels • electrospinning • electrospraying • complex nanostructures • drug delivery • wound dressings • medical devices