Innovative Applications of Gelated Matrices in Biomedical and Environmental Engineering

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 June 2025 | Viewed by 1778

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Centre of Physics, Universities of Minho and Porto, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
2. Centro De Investigaciones Biomédicas (CINBIO), Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
Interests: self-assembly; hydrogels; nanogels; liposomes; magnetic nanoparticles; plasmonic nanoparticles; drug delivery
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IRCCS Synlab SDN, Via G. Ferraris 144, 80146 Naples, Italy
Interests: hydrogels; nanogels; bioactive peptides; peptides as diagnostic and therapeutics; supramolecular chemistry; diagnostic and drug delivery technologies; material characterization; nanomedicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
1. Department of Pharmacy, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
2. Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples “Federico II”, 80134 Naples, Italy
Interests: peptide self-assembling; peptide-based materials; amyloid materials; hydrogels; fibers; material characterization; co-assembly
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of gel science and technology is witnessing rapid advancements, starting a new era where gelated matrices emerge as pivotal tools across a spectrum of applications. This Special Issue of Gels, titled "Innovative Applications of Gelated Matrices in Biomedical and Environmental Engineering", aims to collect cutting-edge research and innovative developments that highlight the versatility and potential of gel-based systems.

Gelated matrices, characterized by their unique viscoelastic properties and tunable physical characteristics, are increasingly being explored for their applications in diverse areas including biomedicine, materials science, environmental engineering, and beyond. This Special Issue invites contributions that explore the synthesis, characterization, and application of these novel gel systems.

We encourage the submission of original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and insightful perspectives that offer new insights into the field of gelated matrices. By bringing together a diverse collection of studies, this Special Issue aims to underscore the transformative impact of gel-based technologies and inspire future innovations.

Dr. Célio Fernandes
Dr. Sérgio Veloso
Dr. Enrico Gallo
Dr. Carlo Diaferia
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • gelated matrices
  • hydrogels
  • gelation mechanisms
  • biocompatible gels
  • drug delivery systems
  • tissue engineering
  • wound healing
  • biosensing
  • stimuli-responsive gels
  • multifunctional gels
  • organogels
  • gel nanoparticles
  • gel formulation
  • nanogels
  • gel rheology

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 4909 KiB  
Article
Thermally Solvent-Free Cross-Linked pH/Thermosensitive Hydrogels as Smart Drug Delivery Systems
by Sanda Bucatariu, Bogdan Cosman, Marieta Constantin, Gabriela Liliana Ailiesei, Daniela Rusu and Gheorghe Fundueanu
Gels 2024, 10(12), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10120834 - 18 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1052
Abstract
An imbalance in the body’s pH or temperature may modify the immune response and result in ailments such as autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, cancer, or diabetes. Dual pH- and thermo-responsive carriers are being evaluated as advanced drug delivery microdevices designed to release pharmaceuticals [...] Read more.
An imbalance in the body’s pH or temperature may modify the immune response and result in ailments such as autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, cancer, or diabetes. Dual pH- and thermo-responsive carriers are being evaluated as advanced drug delivery microdevices designed to release pharmaceuticals in response to external or internal stimuli. A novel drug delivery system formulated as hydrogel was developed by combining a pH-sensitive polymer (the “biosensor”) with a thermosensitive polymer (the delivery component). Thus, the hydrogel was created by cross-linking, using a solvent-free thermal approach, of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-hydroyethyl acrylamide), P(NIPAAm-co-HEAAm), and poly(methylvinylether-alt-maleic acid), P(MVE/MA). The chemical structure of the polymers and hydrogels was analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopies. The pH/thermosensitive hydrogel loses its thermosensitivity under physiological conditions but, remarkably, can recover the thermosensitive capabilities when certain physiologically active biomolecules, acting as triggering agents, electrostatically interact with pH-sensitive units. Our research aimed to develop a drug delivery system that could identify the disturbance of normal physiological parameters and instantaneously send a signal to thermosensitive units, which would collapse and modulate the release profiles of the drug. Full article
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Review

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27 pages, 6626 KiB  
Review
Multifunctional Janus Hydrogels: Surface Design Strategies for Next-Generation Clinical Solutions
by Taoxu Yan, Junyao Cheng, Haoming Liu, Yifan Wang, Chuyue Zhang, Da Huang, Jianheng Liu and Zheng Wang
Gels 2025, 11(5), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11050343 - 6 May 2025
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Abstract
Janus hydrogels, distinguished by their dual-sided structure with distinct physical and chemical properties, have garnered significant attention in the medical field, particularly for applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing. Their ability to simultaneously perform multiple functions, such as targeted drug [...] Read more.
Janus hydrogels, distinguished by their dual-sided structure with distinct physical and chemical properties, have garnered significant attention in the medical field, particularly for applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing. Their ability to simultaneously perform multiple functions, such as targeted drug release and biomimetic tissue interaction, positions them as a promising platform for advanced therapeutic strategies. The growing interest in these hydrogels is primarily driven by their multifunctionality and capacity to address complex biological needs. This review delves into the design, fabrication methods, and applications of Janus hydrogels in medicine, focusing on their potential to overcome the limitations of conventional therapies and providing a comprehensive overview of their role in contemporary biomedical applications. Full article
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