Advanced Hydrogels: Preparation, Property and 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: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 8438

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
Interests: biolubrication; biomaterials; hydrogels
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering Yanshan University,Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, P.R.China
Interests: nanoparticles; catalyst; antitumor; detection; peroxidase; polysaccharide; biocompatibility; micelle; zwitterionic; green chemistry; dendrimer; polymer; noble metal nanoparticles; nanozyme; drug delivery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are grateful to all authors, reviewers, and readers for their responses to the first volume of our Special Issue, entitled “Advanced Hydrogels: Preparation, Property, and Biomedical Application”. You can access these articles for free via the link:

Advanced Hydrogels: Preparation, Property, and Biomedical Application (1st Edition)

Hydrogels are physically or chemically crosslinked three-dimensional networks. Due to the variety of monomer and crosslinker types, these hydrogels exhibit extraordinary properties, including high water content, porosity, and flexibility, leading to their extensive use in biomedical applications. They are of great interest in biocompatible implant devices, biosensors, drug delivery systems, wound care, and many other applications.

In the second volume of the Special Issue, we welcome original research articles, comprehensive reviews, short communications, and perspectives, with topics addressing—but not limited to—the key findings and contributions on advanced hydrogels, including preparation methods, characterization, and biomedical applications.

Prof. Dr. Weifeng Lin
Dr. Longgang Wang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • zwitterionic hydrogels
  • nanogels
  • composite hydrogels
  • double network hydrogels
  • antifouling
  • wound healing
  • lubrication
  • mechanical properties
  • implants

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 8092 KiB  
Article
Rheological Characterization of Three-Dimensional Neuronal Cultures Embedded in PEGylated Fibrin Hydrogels
by Clara F. López-León, Jordi Soriano and Ramon Planet
Gels 2023, 9(8), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9080642 - 9 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1401
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) neuronal cultures are valuable models for studying brain complexity in vitro, and the choice of the bulk material in which the neurons grow is a crucial factor in establishing successful cultures. Indeed, neuronal development and network functionality are influenced by the [...] Read more.
Three-dimensional (3D) neuronal cultures are valuable models for studying brain complexity in vitro, and the choice of the bulk material in which the neurons grow is a crucial factor in establishing successful cultures. Indeed, neuronal development and network functionality are influenced by the mechanical properties of the selected material; in turn, these properties may change due to neuron–matrix interactions that alter the microstructure of the material. To advance our understanding of the interplay between neurons and their environment, here we utilized a PEGylated fibrin hydrogel as a scaffold for mouse primary neuronal cultures and carried out a rheological characterization of the scaffold over a three-week period, both with and without cells. We observed that the hydrogels exhibited an elastic response that could be described in terms of the Young’s modulus E. The hydrogels without neurons procured a stable E420 Pa, while the neuron-laden hydrogels showed a higher E590 Pa during the early stages of development that decreased to E340 Pa at maturer stages. Our results suggest that neurons and their processes dynamically modify the hydrogel structure during development, potentially compromising both the stability of the material and the functional traits of the developing neuronal network. Full article
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Review

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77 pages, 13814 KiB  
Review
Advances in Chitosan Derivatives: Preparation, Properties and Applications in Pharmacy and Medicine
by Dominika Žigrayová, Veronika Mikušová and Peter Mikuš
Gels 2024, 10(11), 701; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10110701 - 29 Oct 2024
Viewed by 601
Abstract
Chitosan (CS) derivatives have been extensively investigated to enhance the physicochemical and biological properties of CS, such as its solubility, biocompatibility, and bioactivity, which are required in various areas of pharmacy and medicine. The present work emphasizes the ongoing research and development in [...] Read more.
Chitosan (CS) derivatives have been extensively investigated to enhance the physicochemical and biological properties of CS, such as its solubility, biocompatibility, and bioactivity, which are required in various areas of pharmacy and medicine. The present work emphasizes the ongoing research and development in this field, suggesting that the further exploration of CS derivatives could lead to innovative solutions that benefit society. The physicochemical properties, biological activities, methods of preparation, advantages, limitations, intended application areas, and realized practical implementations of particular CS derivatives are summarized and discussed herein. Despite the numerous promising attributes of CS derivatives as reported in this paper, however, challenges like target selectivity, standardization (purity, chitosan structural variability), and cost-effectiveness still need addressing for widespread implementation, especially in drug delivery. Therefore, basic research studies still prevail in CS drug delivery systems. However, for specific applications such as wound healing and tissue engineering, implementations of CS derivatives in practice are found to be more frequent. To obtain a more complex view of the topic, information from the scientific papers reviewed is supplemented with information from actual patents and clinical studies. Both basic research advances and the most successful and important medical implementations of CS derivatives are discussed concerning further challenges and future perspectives. Full article
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21 pages, 1952 KiB  
Review
Starch-Based Hydrogels as a Drug Delivery System in Biomedical Applications
by Chung-Sung Lee and Hee Sook Hwang
Gels 2023, 9(12), 951; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9120951 - 4 Dec 2023
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3459
Abstract
Starch-based hydrogels have gained significant attention in biomedical applications as a type of drug delivery system due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to absorb and release drugs. Starch-based hydrogels can serve as effective carriers for pharmaceutical compounds such as drugs and proteins [...] Read more.
Starch-based hydrogels have gained significant attention in biomedical applications as a type of drug delivery system due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to absorb and release drugs. Starch-based hydrogels can serve as effective carriers for pharmaceutical compounds such as drugs and proteins to develop drug-loaded hydrogel systems, providing controlled release over an extended period. The porous structure of a hydrogel allows for the diffusion of drugs, ensuring sustained and localized delivery to the target site. Moreover, starch-based hydrogels have been used as a powerful option in various biomedical fields, including cancer and infectious disease treatment. In addition, starch-based hydrogels have shown promise in tissue engineering applications since hydrogels can be used as scaffolds or matrices to support cell growth and tissue regeneration. Depending on techniques such as chemical crosslinking or physical gelation, it can create a three-dimensional network structure that tunes its mechanical properties and mimics the extracellular matrix. Starch-based hydrogels can also provide a supportive environment for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation to promote specific cellular responses and tissue regeneration processes with the loading of growth factors, cytokines, or other bioactive molecules. In this review, starch-based hydrogels as a versatile platform for various biomedical applications are discussed. Full article
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30 pages, 4210 KiB  
Review
Fluorescent-Nanoparticle-Impregnated Nanocomposite Polymeric Gels for Biosensing and Drug Delivery Applications
by Kumaraswamy Gandla, K. Praveen Kumar, P. Rajasulochana, Manoj Shrawan Charde, Ritesh Rana, Laliteshwar Pratap Singh, M. Akiful Haque, Vasudha Bakshi, Falak A. Siddiqui, Sharuk L. Khan and S. Ganguly
Gels 2023, 9(8), 669; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9080669 - 18 Aug 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2315
Abstract
Nanocomposite polymeric gels infused with fluorescent nanoparticles have surfaced as a propitious category of substances for biomedical purposes owing to their exceptional characteristics. The aforementioned materials possess a blend of desirable characteristics, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, drug encapsulation, controlled release capabilities, and optical properties [...] Read more.
Nanocomposite polymeric gels infused with fluorescent nanoparticles have surfaced as a propitious category of substances for biomedical purposes owing to their exceptional characteristics. The aforementioned materials possess a blend of desirable characteristics, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, drug encapsulation, controlled release capabilities, and optical properties that are conducive to imaging and tracking. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the synthesis and characterization of fluorescent-nanoparticle-impregnated nanocomposite polymeric gels, as well as their biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, imaging, and tissue engineering. In this discourse, we deliberate upon the merits and obstacles linked to these substances, encompassing biocompatibility, drug encapsulation, optical characteristics, and scalability. The present study aims to provide an overall evaluation of the potential of fluorescent-nanoparticle-impregnated nanocomposite polymeric gels for biomedical applications. Additionally, emerging trends and future directions for research in this area are highlighted. Full article
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