Submit to Gels Review for Gels Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Advances in Hydrogels for Regenerative Medicine

Print Special Issue Flyer
Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Related Special Issue
Published Papers

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2026) | Viewed by 29521

Share This Special Issue

Editors

Dr. Martina Lenzuni

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering (IEIIT), Italian National Council of Research (CNR), 16163 Genoa, Italy
Interests: biomaterials; nanotechnology; tissue regeneration; EMF for health; cell–material interactions; stimuli-responsive materials; computational material science; hydrogel
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Dongdong Zhou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
Interests: polymer materials; hydrogel
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Hydrogels have gained significant attention in regenerative medicine due to their remarkable ability to mimic the extracellular matrix, support cell proliferation, and facilitate targeted drug delivery. These highly versatile materials are engineered to provide suitable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and degradation rates, making them ideal for tissue engineering, wound healing, and controlled release applications. Advances in hydrogel design and functionalization continue to open new pathways for customized medical solutions, addressing complex challenges in tissue regeneration and therapeutic delivery.

Given the pivotal role of hydrogels in emerging biomedical applications, we are pleased to invite you to submit your latest findings and insights on hydrogels in regenerative medicine to contribute to this rapidly evolving area. This Special Issue aims to bring together research and review articles focusing on the latest advancements in hydrogel technologies specifically tailored for regenerative medicine. The goal is to provide a comprehensive collection of studies that highlight innovative approaches to scaffold design, cell–matrix interactions, and drug release mechanisms within the scope of regenerative medicine. The submission of both theoretical and experimental studies is welcome.

In this Special Issue, we welcome original research articles and reviews that cover, but are not limited to, the following topics:

Design and synthesis of novel hydrogels for tissue engineering applications;
Smart hydrogels for controlled drug delivery in regenerative medicine;
Stimuli-responsive hydrogels activated by ultrasound, electromagnetic fields, or other external factors;
Biofunctionalization of hydrogels for cell integration;
Hydrogels in 3D bioprinting and scaffold development;
Injectable hydrogels for minimally invasive regenerative therapies;
Mechanistic studies of hydrogel degradation and bio-resorption in vivo;
Application of hydrogels in wound healing and skin regeneration;
Hydrogel-based microenvironments for stem cell differentiation and tissue regeneration;
Computational modeling and simulation of hydrogel behavior in biological environments.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Martina Lenzuni
Dr. Dongdong Zhou
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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-anonymized 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
regenerative medicine
biomaterials
tissue engineering
drug delivery
3D bioprinting
scaffold design
biocompatibility
stimuli-responsive hydrogels

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Advances in Hydrogels for Regenerative Medicine (2nd Edition) in Gels (2 articles)

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

17 pages, 7750 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Characterization of a Marine Collagen–Chitosan/HA–SiO₂-Based Bioink

by Andrea Cazares-Tafoya, Marcos Valenzuela-Reyes, Solange Rivera-Manrique, Carlos Martínez-Pérez, Odin Ramírez-Fernández and Esmeralda Zuñiga-Aguilar

Gels 2026, 12(3), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12030197 - 26 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 973

Abstract

In this work, we report the synthesis and evaluation of a bioink based on marine collagen, chitosan, and silica-doped hydroxyapatite (HA–SiO₂) for extrusion-based 3D bioprinting. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed amide (I–III) and phosphate/siloxane signals, TGA showed initial dehydration and degradation stages compatible with the process’s thermal handling, and SEM revealed an interconnected porous microstructure. Rheologically, the ink exhibited elastic dominance (G′ > G″) within the linear range and pseudoplastic, shear-thinning behavior—consistent with pneumatic extrusion. Process evaluation on a BIO X printer (14 G nozzle, low print speeds, moderate pressure, cartridge at 37 °C to 45 °C, and a cooled build platform) enabled deposition of strands with local shape retention. However, filament continuity was limited and line width varied, indicating only preliminary printability and a narrow operating window. Overall, physicochemical, microstructural, and rheological evidence supports the formulation’s viability as a starting point for scaffold fabrication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogels for Regenerative Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 11419 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Biological Evaluation of a Gelatin/Recombinant Type III Collagen/CMC Composite Hydrogel for Wound Healing

by Ruixue Wu, Yunjie Shi, Yusi Hu, Jielei Han, Zhenyu Wang, Zhouguang Wang and Qian Xu

Gels 2026, 12(2), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12020142 - 3 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1721

Abstract

Effective chronic skin wound healing remains challenging due to excessive inflammation, insufficient vascular support, and impaired extracellular matrix remodeling. By rationally designing and integrating complementary biomaterials, it is possible to synergistically tailor physicochemical properties and biological performance for tissue repair and regeneration. In this study, a gelatin-based composite hydrogel incorporating recombinant type III collagen (rColIII) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was developed via EDC/NHS-mediated crosslinking and evaluated for wound repair. By tuning the rColIII/CMC ratio, the hydrogel mechanical modulus (G′) increased from ~1.2 kPa to ~2.6 kPa, and enzymatic degradation could be modulated, as reflected by changes in the remaining material mass. The optimized Gel/rCol/CMC-1 formulation supported 3T3 cell migration (1.8-fold increase at 24 h) and promoted a pro-regenerative (M2-like) macrophage phenotype in vitro. In a full-thickness diabetic wound model, Gel/rCol/CMC-1 accelerated wound closure (82.3 ± 4.7% vs. 56.9 ± 5.1% at day 14) and enhanced tissue quality, evidenced by more organized collagen deposition and increased CD31⁺/α-SMA⁺ vessel density. These results demonstrate that formulation-driven tuning of gelatin/rColIII/CMC matrices creates a supportive microenvironment for coordinated wound repair, highlighting their potential as regenerative hydrogel dressings for difficult-to-heal wounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogels for Regenerative Medicine)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

23 pages, 4483 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of GAGs, Cross-Link Maturity and Telopeptides on the Formation of a Porcine Collagen-Based Hydrogel

by Monika Šupová, Šárka Rýglová, Tomáš Suchý, Margit Žaloudková and Martin Braun

Gels 2025, 11(9), 695; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11090695 - 1 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1243

Abstract

Collagen hydrogels serve as biomimetic scaffolds that closely resemble the natural extracellular matrix, thus providing an ideal 3D biocompatible environment for cells. However, based on our previous experience, not all collagen isolates are capable of gelling, which appears to depend on the type, origin, species, age and sex of the source animal and the collagen isolation method applied. We therefore decided to evaluate porcine collagen-rich materials isolated from two different porcine genotypes applying two different specific isolation methods, and to analyse other main components, i.e., lipids and glycosaminoglycans, as well as amino acid composition and structural and morphological properties. While all the collagen isolates obtained were subjected to the gelling process, only one of them successfully gelled. In addition, the gelling ability of this isolate was confirmed repeatedly on collagens that were isolated from other pigs of the same porcine genotype. The results revealed that the gelling process proceeds via cooperation between the composition and the structure of the collagen isolate. With respect to the composition, one of the most important factors in terms of the success of the gelation process of collagen isolates concerns elevated glycosaminoglycan contents. The structural factors that characterise collagen isolates, i.e., cross-links (immature and mature) and their mutual ratio, as well as the presence of telopeptides, strongly impact the progress of the gelling process and the resulting character of the hydrogel structure. All these factors are influenced by the isolation procedure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogels for Regenerative Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

34 pages, 23303 KB

Open AccessReview

Design and Fabrication of Biomimetic Gradient Bone Tissue Engineering Scaffolds: Evolution from Single-Gradient to Multi-Gradient

by Haitao Liu, Junjun Liu, Chenhui Sun, Yuhan Wang, Yazhou Sun and Xiaoquan Shi

Gels 2026, 12(2), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12020131 - 2 Feb 2026

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2087

Abstract

The regeneration of bone and the repair of large segmental bone defects represent critical challenges in regenerative medicine. Natural bone tissue is an anisotropic material characterized by an intricate gradient distribution in structure, mechanical properties, and biochemical composition; this multi-dimensional heterogeneity is crucial for maintaining its physiological functions and guiding regeneration. Although tissue engineering scaffolds have demonstrated significant potential in the treatment of bone defects, homogeneous or single-gradient scaffolds often struggle to precisely recapitulate the high degree of heterogeneity and anisotropy of natural bone from the macroscopic to the microscopic level, thereby limiting their capability in repairing complex bone defects. In recent years, biomimetic gradient scaffolds—particularly those employing multi-gradient synergistic designs that integrate physical structure, biochemical composition, and mechanical properties—have emerged as a research frontier in this field due to their ability to accurately mimic the natural bone microenvironment and regulate cellular behavior. This research aims to systematically review the latest research progress in gradient scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. First, gradient characteristics of biomimetic gradient bone scaffolds are summarized; second, the design strategies for gradient scaffolds are discussed in depth, with a focus on the applications and advantages of advanced fabrication techniques, such as additive manufacturing, in constructing multi-dimensional gradient structures; finally, based on current research findings, the emerging development trends and future research directions of biomimetic gradient bone scaffolds are outlined to provide a reference for innovative breakthroughs in the field of bone tissue engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogels for Regenerative Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

46 pages, 8578 KB

Open AccessReview

Versatility of Click Chemistry in Hydrogel Synthesis: From Molecular Strategies to Applications in Regenerative Medicine

by Domingo Cesar Carrascal-Hernández, Carlos David Grande-Tovar, Daniel Insuasty, Edgar Márquez and Maximiliano Mendez-Lopez

Gels 2026, 12(2), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12020127 - 1 Feb 2026

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2539

Abstract

Click chemistry is highly valued in the design of polymeric biomaterials due to its ability to generate complex structures and localized surface modifications. However, prominent mechanisms in click chemistry, such as copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), are inefficient for the synthesis and/or modification of biomaterials because they present significant limitations for in vivo applications. The presence of residual copper in the material is toxic and requires extensive purification, increasing production costs and hindering scalability and availability for in vivo applications. To overcome these limitations and ensure the safety and biocompatibility of materials, biorthogonal reactions such as strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) have been developed. Thiol-ene/thiol-yne and Diels–Alder mechanisms are also relevant for the formation of robust polymer networks with specific characteristics and attractive advantages for generating biocompatible materials. These reactions not only improve cell integration and reduce fibrosis in in vivo applications but also enable the creation of functional structures for tissue regeneration. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of advances in the synthesis of biomaterials for tissue regeneration using hydrogels designed via click chemistry, as well as the various mechanisms and structural considerations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogels for Regenerative Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

32 pages, 2441 KB

Open AccessReview

Tailoring Therapy: Hydrogels as Tunable Platforms for Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Intervention

by Camelia Munteanu, Eftimia Prifti, Adrian Surd and Sorin Marian Mârza

Gels 2025, 11(9), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11090679 - 24 Aug 2025

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3378

Abstract

Hydrogels are water-rich polymeric networks mimicking the body’s extracellular matrix, making them highly biocompatible and ideal for precision medicine. Their “tunable” and “smart” properties enable the precise adjustment of mechanical, chemical, and physical characteristics, allowing responses to specific stimuli such as pH or temperature. These versatile materials offer significant advantages over traditional drug delivery by facilitating targeted, localized, and on-demand therapies. Applications range from diagnostics and wound healing to tissue engineering and, notably, cancer therapy, where they deliver anti-cancer agents directly to tumors, minimizing systemic toxicity. Hydrogels’ design involves careful material selection and crosslinking techniques, which dictate properties like swelling, degradation, and porosity—all crucial for their effectiveness. The development of self-healing, tough, and bio-functional hydrogels represents a significant step forward, promising advanced biomaterials that can actively sense, react to, and engage in complex biological processes for a tailored therapeutic approach. Beyond their mechanical resilience and adaptability, these hydrogels open avenues for next-generation therapies, such as dynamic wound dressings that adapt to healing stages, injectable scaffolds that remodel with growing tissue, or smart drug delivery systems that respond to real-time biochemical cues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogels for Regenerative Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1362 KB

Open AccessReview

Advanced Hydrogels in Fibrocartilage Regeneration of the Glenoid Labrum

by Benjamin R. Caruso, Jihun Cha and Tammam Hanna

Gels 2025, 11(8), 652; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080652 - 18 Aug 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3116

Abstract

Glenoid labral tears are relatively common orthopedic injuries in adults. Anatomically, the glenoid labrum is a fibrocartilaginous structure that contributes to shoulder stability and function. The treatment for labral injury may be conservative, such as activity modification and rest, or operative, depending on the extent of tissue damage. Hydrogels are polymeric networks with great potential in treating glenoid labral tears and other cartilage-related injuries. Hydrogels are highly biocompatible, hydrophilic, and non-immunogenic, with tunable mechanical properties that support nutrient diffusion, cell viability, and angiogenesis, making them well suited for cartilage regeneration. Hydrogels can deliver growth factors like TGF-β or PDGF and may be combined with peptides or adhesion molecules to enhance tissue integration, repair, and even physical support. This article introduces current treatment options for glenoid labral injuries, reviews the role of hydrogels in cartilage regeneration, and summarizes recent translational research focused on hydrogel-based labral repair. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogels for Regenerative Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 11860 KB

Open AccessReview

Bioprinting Vascularized Constructs for Clinical Relevance: Engineering Hydrogel Systems for Biological Maturity

by Jeonghyun Son, Siyuan Li and Wonwoo Jeong

Gels 2025, 11(8), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080636 - 12 Aug 2025

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6507 | Correction

Abstract

Vascularization remains a critical challenge in tissue engineering, limiting graft survival, integration, and clinical translation. Although bioprinting enables spatial control over vascular architectures, many existing approaches prioritize geometric precision over biological performance. Bioprinted vasculature can be understood as a dynamic and time-dependent system that requires tissue-specific maturation. Within this framework, hydrogel systems act as active microenvironments rather than passive scaffolds. Hydrogel platforms vary from natural matrices and synthetic polymers to bioinspired or stimuli-responsive systems, each offering tunable control over stiffness, degradation, and biochemical signaling needed for vascular maturation. The design requirements of large and small vessels differ in terms of mechanical demands, remodeling capacity, and host integration. A key limitation in current models is the absence of time-resolved evaluation, as critical processes such as lumen formation, pericyte recruitment, and flow-induced remodeling occur progressively and are not captured by static endpoints. Advancements in bioprinting technologies are evaluated based on their capacity to support hydrogel-mediated vascularization across varying length scales and structural complexities. A framework for functional assessment is proposed, and translational challenges related to immunogenicity, scalability, and regulatory requirements are discussed. Such integration of hydrogel-driven biological cues and bioprinting fidelity is critical to advancing vascularized constructs toward clinical translation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogels for Regenerative Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 2983 KB

Open AccessReview

3D-Printed Hydrogels from Natural Polymers for Biomedical Applications: Conventional Fabrication Methods, Current Developments, Advantages, and Challenges

by Berk Uysal, Ujith S. K. Madduma-Bandarage, Hasani G. Jayasinghe and Sundar Madihally

Gels 2025, 11(3), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11030192 - 9 Mar 2025

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 6208

Abstract

Hydrogels are network polymers with high water-bearing capacity resembling the extracellular matrix. Recently, many studies have focused on synthesizing hydrogels from natural sources as they are biocompatible, biodegradable, and readily available. However, the structural complexities of biological tissues and organs limit the use of hydrogels fabricated with conventional methods. Since 3D printing can overcome this barrier, more interest has been drawn toward the 3D printing of hydrogels. This review discusses the structure of hydrogels and their potential biomedical applications with more emphasis on natural hydrogels. There is a discussion on various formulations of alginates, chitosan, gelatin, and hyaluronic acid. Furthermore, we discussed the 3D printing techniques available for hydrogels and their advantages and limitations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogels for Regenerative Medicine)

► Show Figures