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Gels
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Biopolymer Gels as Smart Drug Delivery and Theranostic Systems
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Biopolymer Gels as Smart Drug Delivery and Theranostic Systems

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2025) | Viewed by 8998

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Madhappan Santhamoorthy

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
Interests: polymeric hydrogels; drug delivery; biomaterials; polymer synthesis; polymeric nanocomposites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Seongcheol Kim

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
Interests: hydrogel; biomaterial; polymer synthesis; additives; conductive gels
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biopolymers are a class of polymers generated from plants and animals that perform a wide range of functions. In recent years, biopolymer-hydrogel-based research has grown in importance, drawing significant attention in the field of polymer chemistry regarding its prospective use for drug delivery platforms and theranostic applications. Biocompatibility and biodegradability are crucial requirements for biomedical applications. Biopolymeric hydrogels are gaining popularity in healthcare and biotechnology fields. Biopolymer hydrogels are extensively utilized in the biomedical industry because of their physical resemblance to natural tissues. They are particularly useful in the administration of drug, theranostic, and tissue engineering applications. The swelling capacity of biopolymer-based hydrogels is especially appealing since it allows them to absorb and retain a substantial amount of water and biological media, rendering them an ideal choice for use in administering drugs and theranostic applications. Furthermore, the hydrogels' unique porous network structure allows for optimized drug loading and controlled release characteristics under certain biological stimulation settings to improve theranostic efficiency.

This Special Issue theme focuses on the advancement of biopolymer-based hydrogel technology, highlighting its accomplishments in various fields such as drug delivery and theranostics, as well as emphasizing new challenges and opportunities. The research community is invited to submit original research articles, communications, and review papers on emerging strategies in the design, development, and applications of biopolymer-based hydrogel materials in a wide range of fields, including drug delivery, theranostics, and other relevant biomedical fields.

Dr. Madhappan Santhamoorthy
Prof. Dr. Seongcheol Kim
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

  • biopolymers
  • hydrogels
  • drug delivery
  • stimuli responsive
  • self-assembly
  • biopolymeric hydrogels
  • tissue engineering
  • wound dressing
  • multifunctional hydrogels
  • cancer therapy
  • tissue engineering
  • soft materials
  • composite hydrogels
  • theranostics
  • micro/nanogels

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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28 pages, 5151 KiB  
Article
Eco-Friendly Extraction and Formulation of Black Sea Shark Liver Oil-Based Emulgel for Anti-Inflammatory and Healing Dermatocosmetic Applications
by Sorinel Marius Neacșu, Lucian Hîncu, Lavinia Lia Vlaia, Dumitru Lupuliasa, Alexandru Scafa-Udriște, Sebastian Mihai, Gabriel Olteanu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Răzvan Ene, Ruxandra Cristina Marin and Magdalena Mititelu
Gels 2025, 11(4), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11040222 - 21 Mar 2025
Viewed by 343
Abstract
This study explores the eco-friendly extraction and formulation of emulgels based on Black Sea shark liver oil for their potential anti-inflammatory and wound healing dermatocosmetic applications. Two emulgel formulations were prepared: Gel 1, containing shark liver oil, and Gel 2, combining shark liver [...] Read more.
This study explores the eco-friendly extraction and formulation of emulgels based on Black Sea shark liver oil for their potential anti-inflammatory and wound healing dermatocosmetic applications. Two emulgel formulations were prepared: Gel 1, containing shark liver oil, and Gel 2, combining shark liver oil with borage oil. The eco-friendly extraction of shark liver oil was performed, yielding a high content of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (16.68 ± 0.28 mg/g %) and docosahexaenoic acid (18.14 ± 0.31 mg/g %). Physicochemical evaluations of the emulgels revealed excellent stability over time, with small variations in pH, viscosity, and spreadability, confirming their robustness. Rheological analysis demonstrated pseudoplastic behavior for both formulations, with Gel 2 exhibiting a more favorable flow and consistency index (K = 34.11, n = 0.28) compared to Gel 1 (K = 32.73, n = 0.29). The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated using two experimental edema models: 10% kaolin suspension and 6% dextran solution. Both emulgels demonstrated significant edema reduction, with Gel 2 showing a more potent anti-inflammatory effect. The wound healing effect was assessed in vivo, revealing that Gel 2 accelerated wound closure and hair restoration, outperforming Gel 1 and the reference diclofenac gel. These results suggest that Black Sea shark liver oil-based emulgels, especially borage oil formulation, offer promising eco-friendly alternatives for dermatocosmetic applications, with enhanced anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Gels as Smart Drug Delivery and Theranostic Systems)
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16 pages, 2205 KiB  
Article
Curcumin-Loaded Liposomes in Gel Protect the Skin of Mice against Oxidative Stress from Photodamage Induced by UV Irradiation
by Yongli Zhang, Bin Sun, Lu Wang, Wang Shen, Si Shen, Xiaoman Cheng, Xuan Liu and Hongmei Xia
Gels 2024, 10(9), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10090596 - 16 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1873
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation can cause oxidative stress in the skin, accompanied by rapid immunosuppressive effects, resulting in a peroxidation reaction throughout the body. Curcumin (Cur), as the bioactive compound of turmeric, is a natural polyphenol with potent antioxidant properties but [...] Read more.
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation can cause oxidative stress in the skin, accompanied by rapid immunosuppressive effects, resulting in a peroxidation reaction throughout the body. Curcumin (Cur), as the bioactive compound of turmeric, is a natural polyphenol with potent antioxidant properties but is often overlooked due to its poor solubility and low bioavailability. In this study, curcumin-loaded liposomes in a sodium alginate gel complex preparation were designed to improve the bioavailability of curcumin and to study its preventive effect on photodamage. Cur-loaded liposomes (Cur-L), Cur-loaded gel (Cur-G) based on an alginate matrix, and curcumin-loaded liposomes in gel (Cur-LG) were prepared, and their antioxidant effects and drug diffusion abilities were evaluated. The antioxidant capacity of Cur, Cur-L, Cur-G, and Cur-LG was also studied in a mouse model of photodamage. Cur had the highest antioxidant activity at about 4 mg/mL. Cur-LG at this concentration showed antioxidant effects during 1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine (DPPH) and H2O2 experiments. During the UV light damage test, Cur-LG demonstrated the ability to effectively neutralize free radicals generated as a result of lipid peroxidation in the skin, serum, and liver, thereby enhancing the overall activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). In conclusion, using Cur-LG may protect against epidermal and cellular abnormalities induced by UV irradiation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Gels as Smart Drug Delivery and Theranostic Systems)
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14 pages, 3868 KiB  
Article
pNIPAm-Based pH and Thermoresponsive Copolymer Hydrogel for Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Drug Delivery
by Anandhu Mohan, Madhappan Santhamoorthy, Thi Tuong Vy Phan and Seong-Cheol Kim
Gels 2024, 10(3), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10030184 - 7 Mar 2024
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3719
Abstract
The regulated and targeted administration of hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs is both promising and challenging in the field of drug delivery. Developing a hydrogel which is responsive to dual stimuli is considered a promising and exciting research area of study. In this work, [...] Read more.
The regulated and targeted administration of hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs is both promising and challenging in the field of drug delivery. Developing a hydrogel which is responsive to dual stimuli is considered a promising and exciting research area of study. In this work, melamine functionalized poly-N-isopropyl acrylamide-co-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer has been developed by copolymerizing glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) monomer with N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAm) and further functionalized with melamine units (pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela). The prepared pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela copolymer hydrogel was characterized using various characterization techniques, including 1H NMR, FTIR, SEM, zeta potential, and particle size analysis. A hydrophobic drug (ibuprofen, Ibu) and hydrophilic drug (5-fluorouracil, 5-Fu) were selected as model drugs. Dual pH and temperature stimuli-responsive drug release behavior of the pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela hydrogel was evaluated under different pH (pH 7.4 and 4.0) and temperature (25 °C, 37 °C, and 45 °C) conditions. Furthermore, the in vitro biocompatibility of the developed pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela copolymer hydrogel was determined on MDA-MB-231 cells. The pH and temperature-responsive drug delivery study results reveal that the pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela hydrogel system is responsive to both pH and temperature stimuli and exhibits about ~100% of Ibu and 5-Fu, respectively, released at pH 4.0/45 °C. Moreover, the MTT assay and hemocompatibility analysis results proved that the pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela hydrogel system is biocompatible and hemocompatible, suggesting that that it could be used for drug delivery applications. The experimental results suggest that the proposed pNIPAm-co-pGMA-Mela hydrogel system is responsive to dual pH and temperature stimuli, and could be a promising drug carrier system for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drug delivery applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Gels as Smart Drug Delivery and Theranostic Systems)
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Review

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15 pages, 3172 KiB  
Review
Harnessing Biopolymer Gels for Theranostic Applications: Imaging Agent Integration and Real-Time Monitoring of Drug Delivery
by Pranita Jirvankar, Surendra Agrawal, Nikhita Chambhare and Rishabh Agrawal
Gels 2024, 10(8), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10080535 - 14 Aug 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2122
Abstract
Biopolymer gels have gained tremendous potential for therapeutic applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to adsorb and bind biological fluids, making them attractive for drug delivery and therapy. In this study, the versatility of biopolymer gels is explored in theranostic backgrounds, [...] Read more.
Biopolymer gels have gained tremendous potential for therapeutic applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to adsorb and bind biological fluids, making them attractive for drug delivery and therapy. In this study, the versatility of biopolymer gels is explored in theranostic backgrounds, with a focus on integrating imaging features and facilitating real-time monitoring of drug delivery. Different methods of delivery are explored for incorporating imaging agents into biopolymer gels, including encapsulation, surface functionalization, nanoparticle encapsulation, and layer-by-layer assembly techniques. These methods exhibit the integration of agents and real-time monitoring drug delivery. We summarize the synthesis methods, general properties, and functional mechanisms of biopolymer gels, demonstrating their broad applications as multimodal systems for imaging-based therapeutics. These techniques not only enable multiple imaging but also provide signal enhancement and facilitate imaging targets, increasing the diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy. In addition, current techniques for incorporating imaging agents into biopolymer gels are discussed, as well as their role in precise drug delivery and monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Gels as Smart Drug Delivery and Theranostic Systems)
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