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 2478

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

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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 (2 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3193 KB  
Article
Dual-Crosslinked Gelatin/Dextran Medical Hydrogels Based on Aldimine Condensation and Photopolymerization
by Xia Ding, Bing Yang, Lei Ni, Guangliang Niu, Xinyi Si, Ning Lu and Zhaosheng Hou
Gels 2025, 11(11), 871; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11110871 - 31 Oct 2025
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Abstract
Hydrogels have attracted considerable attention as biomedical materials owing to their distinctive properties; however, improvements in mechanical strength, biodegradability, and biocompatibility remain essential for advanced clinical applications. This study developed a new dual-crosslinked hydrogel based on gelatin (Gel) and dextran (Dex) via sequential [...] Read more.
Hydrogels have attracted considerable attention as biomedical materials owing to their distinctive properties; however, improvements in mechanical strength, biodegradability, and biocompatibility remain essential for advanced clinical applications. This study developed a new dual-crosslinked hydrogel based on gelatin (Gel) and dextran (Dex) via sequential aldimine condensation and photopolymerization. Natural Gel and Dex were functionalized to synthesize methacrylated Gel (GelMA) and oxidized Dex (ODex), respectively. An imine-linked network was initially formed between GelMA and ODex via aldimine condensation, followed by a second crosslinked network generated through blue-light-induced free-radical polymerization of GelMA, yielding dual-crosslinked hydrogels (GMODs). 1H NMR and FT–IR analyses confirmed the successful functionalization and formation of dual-crosslinked structure. The dual-crosslinked network enhanced the thermal stability and water-retaining capacity of the freeze-dried hydrogels (DGMODs) while reducing the surface wettability and equilibrium swelling ratio of GMODs. The maximum compressive strength (σₘ) increased with crosslinking density; GMOD−2, with moderate crosslinking density, remained intact under 85% compressive strain and achieved σₘ of 108.0 kPa. The degradation rate of GMODs was tunable by adjusting the crosslinking density, thereby modulating their drug-release behavior. GMOD−3, possessing the highest crosslinking density, exhibited effective drug-sustained release for up to five weeks. Biological evaluations, including cytotoxicity assays, live/dead cell staining, and hemolysis tests, verified excellent cytocompatibility (cell survival rate > 92%) and minimal hemolysis ratio (<5%). Furthermore, inhibition zone tests preliminarily revealed moderate antibacterial activity for GMOD−1. The GMOD hydrogels exhibited superior compressive robustness, adjustable biodegradability, and excellent biocompatibility, holding great potential for biomedical applications such as sustained drug-delivery system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Multi-Functional Polymer-Based Hydrogels)
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Review

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18 pages, 664 KB  
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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