Recent Advances in Multi-Functional Polymer-Based Hydrogels

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 476

Special Issue Editors


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Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University (MSU), 578 S Shaw Lane, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
Interests: hydrogel; sol–gel technology; solid-state NMR spectroscopy; nuclear magnetic resonance; carbohydrate polymers
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Guest Editor
Laboratory for Chemical Technology (LCT), Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
Interests: bio-based polymers; alginate hydrogels; sustainability; green chemistry; nanotechnology; heterogeneous catalysis
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent advances in multi-functional polymer-based hydrogels have significantly expanded their applications in various fields, including biomedicine, environmental science, and soft robotics. These hydrogels, characterized by their high water content and tunable physicochemical properties, have been engineered to exhibit enhanced mechanical strength, self-healing capabilities, and stimuli-responsive behavior. Innovations in polymer chemistry and cross-linking techniques have enabled the development of hydrogels with tailored functionalities, such as conductivity, bioactivity, and environmental adaptability.

In biomedicine, they are being utilized for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing, owing to their biocompatibility and ability to mimic natural tissues. Additionally, their use in environmental applications, such as water purification and pollutant removal, has been explored due to their high absorption capacity and selectivity. Integrating smart functionalities, like pH and temperature responsiveness, further expands their potential in advanced technologies.

In conclusion, these advancements highlight the versatility and growing importance of multi-functional polymer-based hydrogels in addressing complex challenges across diverse domains. We are pleased to invite you, as renowned experts in this field, to contribute to this Special Issue and the development of scientific study.

Dr. Mustapha El Hariri El Nokab
Dr. Khaled Sebakhy
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • multi-functional polymer-based hydrogels
  • biomedicine
  • environmental science
  • soft robotics
  • mechanical strength
  • self-healing properties
  • stimuli-responsive behavior
  • conductivity
  • bioactivity

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

18 pages, 664 KiB  
Review
Hydrogels in Veterinary Vaccine Development: Types, Mechanisms, and Applications
by Peisen Zhao, Yuwei Yang, Lingxue Yu, Guoxin Li and Dandan Zhu
Gels 2025, 11(6), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11060468 - 18 Jun 2025
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Abstract
This review examines the potential and challenges of using hydrogel vaccine delivery systems in animal immunization. Traditional methods face issues like low immunogenicity, reliance on cold chains, and inefficient delivery, limiting their use in modern animal husbandry. Hydrogels offer a promising solution due [...] Read more.
This review examines the potential and challenges of using hydrogel vaccine delivery systems in animal immunization. Traditional methods face issues like low immunogenicity, reliance on cold chains, and inefficient delivery, limiting their use in modern animal husbandry. Hydrogels offer a promising solution due to their biocompatibility, controlled drug release, and immune regulation. This paper highlights hydrogels’ benefits, such as mimicking natural infection through sustained antigen release, boosting antigen-presenting cell activity, activating immune responses, and forming barriers at mucosal sites to prevent pathogen invasion. Additionally, innovative delivery methods like microneedle patches and nasal sprays show promise in enhancing convenience and compliance in animal vaccination. By combining interdisciplinary efforts and technological advancements, the hydrogel vaccine delivery system is anticipated to be crucial in preventing animal diseases, supporting sustainable animal husbandry, and ensuring global animal health and food safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Multi-Functional Polymer-Based Hydrogels)
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