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Gels
Special Issues
Designing Gels for Wound Dressing
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Designing Gels for Wound Dressing

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2025) | Viewed by 18400

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kuncham Sudhakar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan-si 38541, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
Interests: hydrogels; nanocomposite; tissue engineering; drug delivery; biopolymers
Dr. Kannan Badri Narayanan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan-si 38541, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
Interests: nanobiotechnology; tissue engineering; nanomaterials; nanofabrication; microbiology; molecular biology; protein chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Rakesh Bhaskar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan-si 38541, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
Interests: tissue engineering; nanoparticles; stem cell; biopolymer; toxicology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Currently, healthcare is facing a growing problem of traumatic wounds causing death. Skin is the major external defense system that protects the body from microbial infections and external environmental stressors. In developing countries, >90% of accidents cause skin injuries and subsequent deaths yearly. Molecules controlling inflammation and tissue repair are often associated with wound healing, and these factors’ dysregulation leads to mortality in wounded patients. To promote wound healing and skin tissue repair, effective wound dressing materials are active supplements to overcome the limitations of natural wound repair processes and to avoid scar formation. Hydrogels can be used as an active wound dressing material to enhance the repair process by maintaining optimal conditions for wound healing. The advantages of hydrogel dressings over conventional dressings are numerous. A topical application can help remove infected and necrotic tissue from dry wounds, scabs, and necrotic wounds and keep them clean.

Designing hydrogels with spatiotemporal regulation in the drug release for the wound-healing process is critical in wound management. As a multidisciplinary topic, this Special Issue will assist chemists, material scientists, engineers, and medical practitioners in understanding the benefits and limitations of hydrogels to build and create therapeutically beneficial biomaterial platforms for translational applications. It can also bring out the recent advances and novel methodologies in designing and developing active hydrogels to treat and heal wounds for cost-effective treatment. Furthermore, this field invites research on innovative functionalization chemistries, variable combinations/compositions of natural and synthetic hydrogels, introducing natural therapies, creating dynamic crosslinking chemistries, and fabricating multi-modal and intelligent hydrogels for wound management.

We gladly receive research and review articles relevant to the topics below, and other highly significant articles closely related to these topics are also welcome.

  • Novel crosslinking methods in designing hydrogels; 
  • 3D/4D-printed hydrogels for wound healing; 
  • Antibacterial hydrogels in wound dressing;
  • Biopolymer-based hydrogels in wound healing;
  • Metal nanocomposite hydrogels for wound healing;
  • Hydrogels for controlled drug delivery; 
  • Self-healing hydrogels for wound management;
  • Smart responsive hydrogels for specific wound healing;
  • Functional hydrogels for wound healing. 

Dr. Kuncham Sudhakar
Dr. Kannan Badri Badri Narayanan
Dr. Rakesh Bhaskar
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

  • hydrogels
  • biopolymers
  • nanocomposite
  • antibacterial
  • wound healing
  • wound dressing
  • wound management

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

6 pages, 237 KiB  
Editorial
Innovations in Designing Hydrogels for Advanced Wound Dressing Applications: An Editorial Review
by Kannan Badri Narayanan and Rakesh Bhaskar
Gels 2025, 11(5), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11050332 - 29 Apr 2025
Viewed by 454
Abstract
Hydrogels are highly versatile biomaterials that play a crucial role in personal wound care and regenerative medicine [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Gels for Wound Dressing)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

17 pages, 8438 KiB  
Article
Bacterial Cellulose–Silk Hydrogel Biosynthesized by Using Coconut Skim Milk as Culture Medium for Biomedical Applications
by Junchanok Chaikhunsaeng, Phasuwit P. Phatchayawat, Suchata Kirdponpattara and Muenduen Phisalaphong
Gels 2024, 10(11), 714; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10110714 - 6 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1475
Abstract
In this study, hydrogel films of biocomposite comprising bacterial cellulose (BC) and silk (S) were successfully fabricated through a simple, facile, and cost-effective method via biosynthesis by Acetobacter xylinum in a culture medium of coconut skim milk/mature coconut water supplemented with the powders [...] Read more.
In this study, hydrogel films of biocomposite comprising bacterial cellulose (BC) and silk (S) were successfully fabricated through a simple, facile, and cost-effective method via biosynthesis by Acetobacter xylinum in a culture medium of coconut skim milk/mature coconut water supplemented with the powders of thin-shell silk cocoon (SC). Coconut skim milk/mature coconut water and SC are the main byproducts of coconut oil and silk textile industries, respectively. The S/BC films contain protein, carbohydrate, fat, and minerals and possess a number of properties beneficial to wound healing and tissue engineering, including nontoxicity, biocompatibility, appropriate mechanical properties, flexibility, and high water absorption capacity. It was demonstrated that silk could fill into a porous structure and cover fibers of the BC matrix with very good integration. In addition, components (fat, protein, etc.) in coconut skim milk could be well incorporated into the hydrogel, resulting in a more elastic structure and higher tensile strength of films. The tensile strength and the elongation at break of BC film from coconut skim milk (BCM) were 212.4 MPa and 2.54%, respectively, which were significantly higher than BC film from mature coconut water (BCW). A more elastic structure and relatively higher tensile strength of S/BCM compared with S/BCW were observed. The films of S/BCM and S/BCW showed very high water uptake ability in the range of 400–500%. The presence of silk in the films also significantly enhanced the adhesion, proliferation, and cell-to-cell interaction of Vero and HaCat cells. According to multiple improved properties, S/BC hydrogel films are high-potential candidates for application as biomaterials for wound dressing and tissue engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Gels for Wound Dressing)
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13 pages, 2836 KiB  
Article
Biocompatibility Study of Purified and Low-Temperature-Sterilized Injectable Collagen for Soft Tissue Repair: Intramuscular Implantation in Rats
by Tae-Hoon Koo, Jason K. Lee, Shawn P. Grogan, Ho Jong Ra and Darryl D. D’Lima
Gels 2024, 10(10), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10100619 - 26 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1592
Abstract
The clinical application of collagen-based biomaterials is expanding rapidly, especially in tissue engineering and cosmetics. While oral supplements and injectable skin boosters are popular for enhancing skin health, clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness remains limited. Injectable products show potential in revitalizing skin, but [...] Read more.
The clinical application of collagen-based biomaterials is expanding rapidly, especially in tissue engineering and cosmetics. While oral supplements and injectable skin boosters are popular for enhancing skin health, clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness remains limited. Injectable products show potential in revitalizing skin, but safety concerns persist due to challenges in sterilization and the risk of biological contamination. Traditional methods of sterilization (heat and irradiation) can denature collagen. This study addresses these issues by introducing a novel technique: the double filtration and low-temperature steam sterilization of a collagen gel. In vitro tests documented the sterility and confirmed that the collagen did not show cytotoxicity, degradation, integrity, and viscosity characteristics changes after the processing and sterilization. The collagen gel induced new collagen expression and the proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts when the cells were cultured with the collagen gel. An in vivo study found no adverse effects in rats or significant lesions at the implantation site over 13 weeks. These results suggest that this novel method to process collagen gels is a safe and effective skin booster. Advanced processing methods are likely to mitigate the safety risks associated with injectable collagen products, though further research is needed to validate their biological effectiveness and clinical benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Gels for Wound Dressing)
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Graphical abstract

17 pages, 4288 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Hemostatic and Procoagulant Efficacy of PEG/ZnO Hydrogels: A Novel Approach in Traumatic Hemorrhage Management
by Chuyue Zhang, Yifan Wang, Yuan Xue, Junyao Cheng, Pengfei Chi, Zhaohan Wang, Bo Li, Taoxu Yan, Bing Wu and Zheng Wang
Gels 2024, 10(2), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10020088 - 24 Jan 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2231
Abstract
Managing severe bleeding, particularly in soft tissues and visceral injuries, remains a significant challenge in trauma and surgical care. Traditional hemostatic methods often fall short in wet and dynamic environments. This study addresses the critical issue of severe bleeding in soft tissues, proposing [...] Read more.
Managing severe bleeding, particularly in soft tissues and visceral injuries, remains a significant challenge in trauma and surgical care. Traditional hemostatic methods often fall short in wet and dynamic environments. This study addresses the critical issue of severe bleeding in soft tissues, proposing an innovative solution using a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrogel combined with zinc oxide (ZnO). The developed hydrogel forms a dual-network structure through amide bonds and metal ion chelation, resulting in enhanced mechanical properties and adhesion strength. The hydrogel, exhibiting excellent biocompatibility, is designed to release zinc ions, promoting coagulation and accelerating hemostasis. Comprehensive characterization, including gelation time, rheological properties, microstructure analysis, and swelling behavior, demonstrates the superior performance of the PEG/ZnO hydrogel compared to traditional PEG hydrogels. Mechanical tests confirm increased compression strength and adhesive properties, which are crucial for withstanding tissue dynamics. In vitro assessments reveal excellent biocompatibility and enhanced procoagulant ability attributed to ZnO. Moreover, in vivo experiments using rat liver and tail bleeding models demonstrate the remarkable hemostatic performance of the PEG/ZnO hydrogel, showcasing its potential for acute bleeding treatment in both visceral and peripheral scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Gels for Wound Dressing)
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Graphical abstract

16 pages, 5016 KiB  
Article
Polydopamine-Functionalized Bacterial Cellulose as Hydrogel Scaffolds for Skin Tissue Engineering
by Kannan Badri Narayanan, Rakesh Bhaskar, Kuncham Sudhakar, Dong Hyun Nam and Sung Soo Han
Gels 2023, 9(8), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9080656 - 14 Aug 2023
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3010
Abstract
Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural polysaccharide polymer hydrogel produced sustainably by the strain Gluconacetobacter hansenii under static conditions. Due to their biocompatibility, easy functionalization, and necessary physicochemical and mechanical properties, BC nanocomposites are attracting interest in therapeutic applications. In this study, we [...] Read more.
Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural polysaccharide polymer hydrogel produced sustainably by the strain Gluconacetobacter hansenii under static conditions. Due to their biocompatibility, easy functionalization, and necessary physicochemical and mechanical properties, BC nanocomposites are attracting interest in therapeutic applications. In this study, we functionalized BC hydrogel with polydopamine (PDA) without toxic crosslinkers and used it in skin tissue engineering. The BC nanofibers in the hydrogel had a thickness of 77.8 ± 20.3 nm, and they could be used to produce hydrophilic, adhesive, and cytocompatible composite biomaterials for skin tissue engineering applications using PDA. Characterization techniques, namely Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and Raman spectroscopy, were performed to investigate the formation of polydopamine on the BC nanofibers. The XRD peaks for BC occur at 2θ = 14.65°, 16.69°, and 22.39°, which correspond to the planes of (100), (010), and (110) of cellulose type Iα. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of PDA, as indicated by the presence of bands corresponding to the vibration of aromatic rings and aliphatic C–C and C–O stretching at 1336 and 1567 cm−1, respectively. FTIR confirmed the presence of peaks corresponding to PDA and BC in the BC/PDA hydrogel scaffolds at 3673, 3348, 2900, and 1052 cm−1, indicating the successful interaction of PDA with BC nanofibers, which was further corroborated by the SEM images. The tensile strength, swelling ratio, degradation, and surface wettability characteristics of the composite BC biomaterials were also investigated. The BC/PDA hydrogels with PDA-functionalized BC nanofibers demonstrated excellent tensile strength and water-wetting ability while maintaining the stability of the BC fibers. The enhanced cytocompatibility of the BC/PDA hydrogels was studied using the PrestoBlue assay. Culturing murine NIH/3T3 fibroblasts on BC/PDA hydrogels showed higher metabolic activity and enhanced proliferation. Additionally, it improved cell viability when using BC/PDA hydrogels. Thus, these BC/PDA composite biomaterials can be used as biocompatible natural alternatives to synthetic substitutes for skin tissue engineering and wound-dressing applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Gels for Wound Dressing)
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Review

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35 pages, 1312 KiB  
Review
Hyaluronic Acid and Skin: Its Role in Aging and Wound-Healing Processes
by Natalia Chylińska and Mateusz Maciejczyk
Gels 2025, 11(4), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11040281 - 9 Apr 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5298
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a linear, unbranched polysaccharide classified as a glycosaminoglycan. While HA is found in various tissues throughout the body, over half of its total proportion is found in the skin. The role of HA in the skin is complex and [...] Read more.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a linear, unbranched polysaccharide classified as a glycosaminoglycan. While HA is found in various tissues throughout the body, over half of its total proportion is found in the skin. The role of HA in the skin is complex and multifaceted. HA maintains proper hydration, elasticity, and skin firmness, serving as a key extracellular matrix (ECM) component. With age, HA production gradually decreases, leading to reduced water-binding capacity, drier and less elastic skin, and the formation of wrinkles. Additionally, HA plays an active role in the wound-healing process at every stage. This review summarizes the current background knowledge about the role of HA in skin aging and wound healing. We discuss the latest applications of HA in aging prevention, including anti-aging formulations, nutricosmetics, microneedles, nanoparticles, HA-based fillers, and skin biostimulators. Furthermore, we explore various HA-based dressings used in wound treatment, such as hydrogels, sponges, membranes, and films. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Gels for Wound Dressing)
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14 pages, 897 KiB  
Review
Exploring Hydrogel Nanoparticle Systems for Enhanced Ocular Drug Delivery
by Zohreh Arabpour, Majid Salehi, Seungwon An, Amirhossein Moghtader, Khandaker N. Anwar, Seyed Mahbod Baharnoori, Rohan Jaimin Shah, Farshad Abedi and Ali R. Djalilian
Gels 2024, 10(9), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10090589 - 13 Sep 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3308
Abstract
Drug delivery to the ocular system is affected by anatomical factors like the corneal epithelium, blinking reflex, aqueous blood barrier, and retinal blood barrier, which lead to quick removal from the site and inefficient drug delivery. Developing a drug delivery mechanism that targets [...] Read more.
Drug delivery to the ocular system is affected by anatomical factors like the corneal epithelium, blinking reflex, aqueous blood barrier, and retinal blood barrier, which lead to quick removal from the site and inefficient drug delivery. Developing a drug delivery mechanism that targets specific eye tissue is a major hurdle for researchers. Our study examines the challenges of drug absorption in these pathways. Hydrogels have been researched as a suitable delivery method to overcome some obstacles. These are developed alone or in conjunction with other technologies, such as nanoparticles. Many polymer hydrogel nanoparticle systems utilizing both natural and synthetic polymers have been created and investigated; each has pros and cons. The complex release mechanism of encapsulated agents from hydrogel nanoparticles depends on three key factors: hydrogel matrix swelling, drug-matrix chemical interactions, and drug diffusion. This mechanism exists regardless of the type of polymer. This study provides an overview of the classification of hydrogels, release mechanisms, and the role of controlled release systems in pharmaceutical applications. Additionally, it highlights the integration of nanotechnology in ocular disease therapy, focusing on different types of nanoparticles, including nanosuspensions, nanoemulsions, and pharmaceutical nanoparticles. Finally, the review discusses current commercial formulations for ocular drug delivery and recent advancements in non-invasive techniques. The objective is to present a comprehensive overview of the possibilities for enhancing ocular medication delivery through hydrogel nanoparticle systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Gels for Wound Dressing)
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