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Gels
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Functionalized Hydrogels: Biomimetic Design, Adhesion Mechanisms and Biomedical Applications
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Functionalized Hydrogels: Biomimetic Design, Adhesion Mechanisms and Biomedical Applications

A Special Issue of Gels (ISSN 2310-2861) belonging to the section "Gel Chemistry and Physics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2027 | Viewed by 8756

Editor

Dr. Chao Zhou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Medical and Health Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
Interests: gels; antibacterial activity; anti-infection activity; wound healing; anti-inflammatory activity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Functionalized hydrogels represent a cutting-edge class of biomaterials designed to mimic natural biological systems, offering remarkable properties such as tunable mechanics, biocompatibility, and multifunctionality. In biomedical applications, functionalized hydrogels show immense potential as adhesive wound dressings, drug delivery platforms, tissue engineering scaffolds, and bioelectronic interfaces. Their ability to adapt to dynamic biological environments while maintaining robust performance makes them ideal for use in regenerative medicine and minimally invasive therapies. Current research aims to optimize their multifunctionality, biodegradability, and integration with smart technologies, further bridging the gap between synthetic materials and biological systems. These advancements position functionalized hydrogels as transformative tools for next-generation healthcare solutions.

This Special Issue, “Functionalized Hydrogels: Biomimetic Design, Adhesion Mechanisms and Biomedical Applications”, will explore the latest advancements in biomimetic design strategies. It will focus on adhesion mechanisms, including physical (e.g., hydrogen bonds and electrostatic forces) and chemical (e.g., catechol-based, Schiff base, and enzyme-mediated crosslinking) interactions, enabling robust and adaptable bioadhesion for diverse applications.

We invite the submission of original research and reviews on novel hydrogel functionalization techniques, mechanistic studies, and translational developments. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, this Special Issue aims to accelerate the transition of functionalized hydrogels from lab-scale breakthroughs to real-world medical solutions.

Dr. Chao Zhou
Guest Editor

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

  • functional hydrogels
  • biomimicry
  • tissue regeneration
  • wound dressing
  • drug delivery
  • engineering scaffolds
  • bioelectronic interfaces
  • wearable sensors
  • hydrogel microneedles.

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1183 KB  
Article
The Influence of Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) Infusions on the Techno-Functionality of k-Carrageenan Hydrogels
by Andreea Pușcaș, Cristian Szekely, Flavius George Viorel, Alexandra Raluca Lazăr, Anda Elena Tanislav, Andruța Elena Mureșan and Vlad Mureșan
Gels 2026, 12(4), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12040313 - 7 Apr 2026
Viewed by 2057
Abstract
In the current study, bioactive-loaded hydrogels were developed with k-carrageenan (1%), and water was replaced with infusions of Urtica dioica L., which modulated the polymer chains to create more robust networks. Urtica dioica L. infusions were obtained with different infusion durations (5 or [...] Read more.
In the current study, bioactive-loaded hydrogels were developed with k-carrageenan (1%), and water was replaced with infusions of Urtica dioica L., which modulated the polymer chains to create more robust networks. Urtica dioica L. infusions were obtained with different infusion durations (5 or 10 min) or plant-to-water ratios (0.4, 1, or 2 g/100 mL). The hydrogels were characterized for stability by assessing the syneresis rate and textural and rheological attributes. To elucidate the influence of the infusion on the mechanisms of k-carragenan, temperature ramp tests were applied and FTIR spectra were acquired. Replacing water with Urtica dioica L. infusions for obtaining k-carrageenan hydrogels led to lower syneresis rates (3.34 ± 0.03% and 6.67 ± 0.33%), while the hydrogels showed increased hardness, but lower resilience and cohesiveness. The rheological parameters confirmed the reinforcement; higher G′ and gelling temperatures were registered compared to the reference. While FTIR spectra showed that the primary chemical backbone remained intact, the physicochemical changes indicate a strong physical synergy between nettle polyphenols and the κ-carrageenan chains. Of all samples, the highest antioxidant potential value of 94.66% was exhibited by the infusion obtained in 15 min with a ratio of plant material of 2/100 g. These findings demonstrate that plant-to-water ratios and infusion times are critical parameters for tuning the physical properties and biological efficacy of hydrogels for medical or food applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Hydrogels: Biomimetic Design, Adhesion Mechanisms and Biomedical Applications)
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14 pages, 3088 KB  
Article
CAF-Driven Mechanotransduction via Collagen Remodeling Accelerates Tumor Cell Cycle Progression
by Yating Xiao, Yingying Jiang, Ting Bao, Xin Hu, Xiang Wang, Xiaoning Han and Linhong Deng
Gels 2025, 11(8), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080642 - 13 Aug 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3038
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) restructure collagen hydrogels via actomyosin-driven fibril bundling and crosslinking, increasing polymer density to generate mechanical stress that accelerates tumor proliferation. Conventional hydrogel models lack spatial heterogeneity, thus obscuring how localized stiffness gradients regulate cell cycle progression. To address this, we [...] Read more.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) restructure collagen hydrogels via actomyosin-driven fibril bundling and crosslinking, increasing polymer density to generate mechanical stress that accelerates tumor proliferation. Conventional hydrogel models lack spatial heterogeneity, thus obscuring how localized stiffness gradients regulate cell cycle progression. To address this, we developed a collagen hydrogel-based microtissue platform integrated with programmable microstrings (single/double tethering), enabling real-time quantification of gel densification mechanics and force transmission efficiency. Using this system combined with FUCCI cell cycle biosensors and molecular perturbations, we demonstrate that CAF-polarized contraction increases hydrogel stiffness (350 → 775 Pa) and reduces pore diameter (5.0 → 1.9 μm), activating YAP/TAZ nuclear translocation via collagen–integrin–actomyosin cascades. This drives a 2.4-fold proliferation increase and accelerates G1/S transition in breast cancer cells. Pharmacological inhibition of YAP (verteporfin), actomyosin (blebbistatin), or collagen disruption (collagenase) reversed mechanotransduction and proliferation. Partial rescue upon CYR61 knockdown revealed compensatory effector networks. Our work establishes CAF-remodeled hydrogels as biomechanical regulators of tumor growth and positions gel-based mechanotherapeutics as promising anti-cancer strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Hydrogels: Biomimetic Design, Adhesion Mechanisms and Biomedical Applications)
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Review

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32 pages, 3283 KB  
Review
Structural Evolution of Biomedical Microrobots: From Rigid to Soft to Rigid–Soft Integrated Systems
by Gang Wang, Hongfei Liang, Xuefei Liu, Wenjun Xiao, Degui Wang, Jinshun Bi, Abuduwayiti Aierken, Mingqiang Liu, Ziqiang Xu, Changsong Gao, Zhen Wang and Yan Wu
Gels 2026, 12(9), 803; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12090803 - 2 Sep 2026
Viewed by 430
Abstract
Owing to their small size, micron-scale accuracy, rapid response, and biocompatibility, microrobots are emerging as a promising tool for biomedical applications, especially in targeted drug delivery and minimally invasive microsurgery. The architectural configuration of microrobots governs their locomotion performance, environmental adaptability, and functional [...] Read more.
Owing to their small size, micron-scale accuracy, rapid response, and biocompatibility, microrobots are emerging as a promising tool for biomedical applications, especially in targeted drug delivery and minimally invasive microsurgery. The architectural configuration of microrobots governs their locomotion performance, environmental adaptability, and functional integration capacity. Although existing reviews have systematically organized this field by actuation strategies, material categories, or application scenarios, a comprehensive summary centered on the structural evolution paradigm remains conspicuously absent. This review aims to fill this gap by systematically tracing the evolutionary trajectory of microrobot structures from rigid architectures through soft configurations to rigid–soft integrated systems. First, the foundational principles underlying structural evolution were introduced, encompassing the connotation of structure, fluid dynamics constraints, and the drivers of structural innovation. Then, rigid microrobot architectures were systematically elucidated, including geometric asymmetric and surface asymmetric designs. Subsequently, soft microrobot structures, covering both predefined deformation structures and dynamically reconfigurable architectures, were discussed. Finally, the rigid–soft integrated systems reconciling compliance and performance through spatial heterogeneity or temporal stiffness modulation were systematically surveyed. This evolutionary trend reflects a transition from optimizing individual performance parameters toward achieving balanced functional synergy across distinct task phases. Based on the current research progress, this review also presents future research directions in data-driven structural optimization, reconfigurable architectures, and autonomous structural intelligence, offering strategic guidance for next-generation microrobot design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Hydrogels: Biomimetic Design, Adhesion Mechanisms and Biomedical Applications)
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49 pages, 9657 KB  
Review
Fundamentals and Advances in Programmable Peptide Hydrogels for Multifunctional Biomedical Applications: A Review
by Yihao Zhao, Zhe Zhang, Mingyang Jiang, Cancan Xu and Zhiwei Shen
Gels 2026, 12(6), 527; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12060527 - 11 Jun 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1255
Abstract
Programmable peptide hydrogels represent advanced supramolecular biomaterials featured with customizable molecular sequences and tunable self-assembly behaviors, which can biomimetically reconstruct the structural and microenvironmental complexity of native extracellular matrix. This review systematically elaborates the molecular engineering advances of programmable peptide hydrogels following a [...] Read more.
Programmable peptide hydrogels represent advanced supramolecular biomaterials featured with customizable molecular sequences and tunable self-assembly behaviors, which can biomimetically reconstruct the structural and microenvironmental complexity of native extracellular matrix. This review systematically elaborates the molecular engineering advances of programmable peptide hydrogels following a hierarchical logic from fundamental mechanisms to translational applications. We first interpret the intrinsic self-assembly mechanisms driven by non-covalent interactions and the regulatory effects of typical external microenvironmental stimuli. On this basis, we summarize core rational design principles, covering stimuli-responsive structural optimization, biofunctional modification, and the tunable regulation of physical properties, degradability and immunogenicity. Furthermore, we correlate multi-scale structural features (nanostructures, porous architecture and mechanical properties) with their versatile biomedical functions, and comprehensively discuss their cutting-edge applications in tissue regeneration, targeted drug and gene delivery, cell-mediated therapy, immunomodulation, and anti-infective treatment. Finally, we identify critical translational barriers including batch-to-batch inconsistency, immunogenic risks, and in vivo performance instability, and highlight future directions involving multi-stimuli-responsive systems, artificial intelligence-assisted design, computational modeling, and hybrid material construction. This work systematically clarifies the structure–property–function relationship of peptide hydrogels, and underscores their great potential as next-generation platforms for precision regenerative medicine and targeted disease intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Hydrogels: Biomimetic Design, Adhesion Mechanisms and Biomedical Applications)
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39 pages, 3122 KB  
Review
Designing Multifunctional Antibacterial Hydrogels: A Tri-Pillar Approach Based on Bacteriophages, Hydroxyapatite, and Electrospun Systems
by Jordi Puiggalí
Gels 2026, 12(4), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12040335 - 17 Apr 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1188
Abstract
The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria represents one of the most critical challenges in modern healthcare and has stimulated intense research into alternative antimicrobial strategies. Antibacterial hydrogels have emerged as versatile biomaterials due to their high water content, tunable physicochemical properties, and ability [...] Read more.
The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria represents one of the most critical challenges in modern healthcare and has stimulated intense research into alternative antimicrobial strategies. Antibacterial hydrogels have emerged as versatile biomaterials due to their high water content, tunable physicochemical properties, and ability to function as multifunctional platforms for drug delivery and tissue regeneration. This review analyzes recent advances in antibacterial hydrogel systems through a conceptual framework based on three complementary pillars: biological antibacterial agents, inorganic functional components, and structural material engineering. Biological strategies, particularly bacteriophage-based approaches, provide highly specific antibacterial activity capable of targeting multidrug-resistant pathogens and disrupting bacterial biofilms. Inorganic components such as hydroxyapatite nanoparticles contribute additional functionalities including drug adsorption, modulation of the ionic microenvironment, and osteoconductive behavior relevant for bone-related infections. Structural design strategies based on electrospinning enable the fabrication of fibrous architectures that enhance mechanical stability, regulate therapeutic release, and mimic extracellular matrix organization. The integration of these three pillars within multifunctional hydrogel platforms offers promising opportunities for developing advanced antibacterial biomaterials capable of addressing infection control while supporting tissue regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Hydrogels: Biomimetic Design, Adhesion Mechanisms and Biomedical Applications)
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