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Functional Gels Loaded with Natural Products (2nd Edition)
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Functional Gels Loaded with Natural Products (2nd Edition)

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2027 | Viewed by 4686

Editor

Prof. Dr. Kristina Ramanauskienė

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lithuanian. University of Health Sciences, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
Interests: natural compounds; plant extract; analytical chemistry; pharmaceutical development; drug delivery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Building on the success of the first edition, we are excited to launch a broader second edition of our Special Issue “Functional Gels Loaded with Natural Products”.

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/gels/special_issues/1QR2YWBCQA

In consideration of the fact that gels are increasingly applied in the production of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food systems, this Special Issue intends to review the quality of gels and assess their biological activity through in vitro scientific study.

Currently, researchers are examining and practically applying hydrogels, for which natural and synthetic gelling agents are used to gelify aqueous phases. On the other hand, oleogels, due to their acceptable rheological and sensory properties and ability to incorporate lipophilic active substances, have also shown strong potential for application in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Gels can be used both externally and internally, and both edible gels and in situ local-effect gels are currently receiving increasing attention. The choice of gelling agent depends on the intended use of the gel and the active substances to be incorporated. Natural components are selected for gel composition based on their biological properties, with natural extracts or biologically active compounds with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties often incorporated. Gels loaded with natural products must be stable, release active compounds, and exhibit suitable physicochemical properties. When selecting plant extracts, significant attention is paid to their chemical composition analysis and standardization.

This Special Issue aims to gather the latest data on the modeling and quality assessment of hydrogels, oleogels, and in situ gels; the chemical composition of incorporated natural components; biological activity; in vitro release studies of active compounds.

Prof. Dr. Kristina Ramanauskienė
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

  • natural compounds
  • antioxidant activity
  • biological activity
  • gelling agents
  • in vitro
  • rheology

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

34 pages, 4785 KB  
Article
Multifunctional 3D-Printed Alginate Emulgel Patches Incorporating Plant Extracts for Potential Burn Wound Applications
by Roxana Colette Sandulovici, Ion Mircioiu, Mariana Panțuroiu, Corneliu Dan Blendea, Mirela Claudia Rîmbu, Daniel Cord, Carmen Elisabeta Manea, Carmen Marinela Mihăilescu, Mirela Antonela Mihăilă, Iulian Sârbu, Horia Sebastian Iliescu, Manuel Ovidiu Amzoiu, Adina Boldeiu, Vasilica Țucureanu, Oana Brîncoveanu, Luiza Mădălina Cima and Mona Luciana Gălățanu
Gels 2026, 12(6), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12060541 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 1126
Abstract
Multifunctional dressings capable of maintaining a moist environment, supporting tissue regeneration, and delivering bioactive compounds are increasingly being explored as promising strategies for burn wound management. In this study, alginate-based emulgel patches incorporating hydrophilic and lipophilic plant extracts were developed by extrusion-based 3D [...] Read more.
Multifunctional dressings capable of maintaining a moist environment, supporting tissue regeneration, and delivering bioactive compounds are increasingly being explored as promising strategies for burn wound management. In this study, alginate-based emulgel patches incorporating hydrophilic and lipophilic plant extracts were developed by extrusion-based 3D printing as potential topical systems for burn wound applications. The formulation included sodium alginate, hyaluronic acid, and hydroglyceric extracts of Calendula officinalis, Matricaria chamomilla, and Plantago major, as well as oily extracts of Hippophae rhamnoides and Hypericum perforatum. The emulgel was evaluated for pH, rheological behaviour, spreadability, physical stability, apparent hydrodynamic size distribution, zeta potential, total polyphenol content, and antioxidant activity. Following Ca2+-induced crosslinking, uniform and flexible 3D-printed patches were obtained and further characterised for pharmacotechnical, physicochemical, structural, functional, and biological properties. The emulgel exhibited suitable characteristics for extrusion-based printing, while the resulting patches showed good dimensional uniformity, flexibility, swelling capacity, water vapour transmission, and surface pH compatible with topical application. FTIR, DLS, SEM, and SEM–EDX analyses supported the formation of a Ca2+-crosslinked alginate network and confirmed the presence of structurally heterogeneous domains with homogeneous calcium distribution. The patches retained plant-derived bioactive compounds, with a total polyphenol content of 0.2878 ± 0.016 mg GAE/g hydrated patch, and showed improved antioxidant activity compared with the corresponding emulgel. In vitro release studies indicated the time-dependent diffusion of polyphenols over 24 h, with cumulative release reaching 64.42%. The patches also exhibited a water vapour transmission rate of 1270 ± 93 g/m2/24 h, indicating adequate moisture regulation. HaCaT cell viability remained above 90% at lower tested concentrations, demonstrating a favourable biocompatibility profile. Overall, the developed 3D-printed alginate emulgel patches represent promising multifunctional systems for potential burn wound management and warrant further preclinical investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Gels Loaded with Natural Products (2nd Edition))
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33 pages, 21681 KB  
Article
Silibinin-Loaded Proniosomal Gel for Cutaneous Application: Pharmaco-Technical Characterization and In Vitro–In Ovo Biocompatibility
by Andreea Smeu, Ioana Olariu, Iasmina Marcovici, Diana Haj-Ali, Lavinia Vlaia, Vicențiu Vlaia, Alina Tănase, Raluca Mioara Cosoroabă, Vlad Socoliuc and Cristina Adriana Dehelean
Gels 2026, 12(6), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12060504 - 5 Jun 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 941
Abstract
The skin serves as the first line of defense, being highly prone to external damage. Silibinin (SIL) exerts skin-protective properties, but its topical use requires a suitable delivery system. Despite the growing interest in proniosomal platforms loaded with natural products, their application for [...] Read more.
The skin serves as the first line of defense, being highly prone to external damage. Silibinin (SIL) exerts skin-protective properties, but its topical use requires a suitable delivery system. Despite the growing interest in proniosomal platforms loaded with natural products, their application for the cutaneous delivery of SIL remains scarcely explored. This study proposes the pharmaco-technical characterization and preclinical safety evaluation of a SIL-loaded proniosomal gel (SIL-PG) for skin application. SIL-PG was produced using the coacervation phase separation technique, analyzed in terms of physicochemical and technological properties, and evaluated in vitro and in ovo for potential cytotoxic and irritant effects. SIL-PG retained a yellowish, creamy aspect, proper rheological behavior and spreadability, gradual in vitro drug release, sustained permeation, and an adequate safety profile, evidenced by the lack of cytotoxicity in HaCaT keratinocytes and spheroids and the absence of irritant potential in 3D EpiDerm™ reconstructed human tissues and on the chorioallantoic membrane. Overall, these findings emphasize SIL-PG as a potential pharmaceutical formulation for dermal use, with favorable pharmaco-technical characteristics and in vitro–in ovo biocompatibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Gels Loaded with Natural Products (2nd Edition))
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11 pages, 1182 KB  
Article
Clinical Outcomes Associated with a Propolis-Based Nano-Formulated Bioadhesive Oral Gel: A Retrospective Case Series and Non-Randomized Controlled Study in Patients with Intellectual Disabilities
by György Szmirnov, Ilona Szmirnova, Ákos Tamás Nagy, Gábor Kammerhofer, Zsolt Németh, Zsófia Zubor and György Szabó
Gels 2026, 12(6), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12060490 - 2 Jun 2026
Viewed by 506
Abstract
A propolis-based nano-formulated bioadhesive oral gel (NBF gel) containing vitamins C and E has been proposed as a supportive topical therapy for oral mucosal lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes associated with the use of the gel during [...] Read more.
A propolis-based nano-formulated bioadhesive oral gel (NBF gel) containing vitamins C and E has been proposed as a supportive topical therapy for oral mucosal lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes associated with the use of the gel during a 15-year institutional clinical experience and to assess its adjunctive effect on periodontal status in patients with intellectual disabilities. The study consisted of two components: a retrospective observational case series and a non-randomized controlled clinical study. In the retrospective component, 295 patients (219 females and 76 males) received topical NBF gel treatment for various oral mucosal conditions, including xerostomia-associated mucositis, inflammatory lesions, aphthous ulcers, herpes infections, glossodynia, leukoplakia, erythroplakia, and post-surgical conditions. Treatment response was assessed descriptively using patient-reported symptom improvement combined with clinical evaluation. Overall, treatment was considered successful in 265/295 patients (89.8%), while 14/295 patients (4.7%) were classified as ineffective and 16/295 patients (5.4%) as inconclusive. More favorable responses were observed in inflammatory and post-treatment lesions than in potentially premalignant or neuropathic conditions. In the controlled periodontal component, 40 patients with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities were allocated into a control group performing toothbrushing alone and a test group additionally receiving topical NBF gel application. Periodontal status was assessed using the Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE) index at baseline and after 1 and 2 weeks. Adjunctive gel application was associated with greater improvement in periodontal status compared with toothbrushing alone. No clinically relevant adverse effects were documented during the observation period; however, because adverse events were not assessed using a predefined safety-monitoring protocol, these findings should be interpreted cautiously. The present findings suggest that the investigated nano-formulated bioadhesive oral gel may represent a potentially useful adjunctive topical therapy in selected oral mucosal and periodontal conditions. Further randomized controlled studies with standardized objective outcome measures are required to confirm these preliminary findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Gels Loaded with Natural Products (2nd Edition))
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18 pages, 8799 KB  
Article
Development of Kamala-Based, a Thai Traditional Remedy, Nanoemulsion Gel and In Vitro Release Behavior of Phenylbutenoid Markers
by Siraporn Mahakoat, Sujaree Panomket, Catheleeya Mekjaruskul and Bunleu Sungthong
Gels 2026, 12(5), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12050415 - 9 May 2026
Viewed by 741
Abstract
Kamala is a traditional Thai herbal knee poultice containing phenylbutenoid compounds with potent anti-inflammatory activity; however, its conventional form is inconvenient to use and exhibits variability in active compound content. This study aimed to develop a Kamala-based nanoemulsion gel to enhance dermal delivery [...] Read more.
Kamala is a traditional Thai herbal knee poultice containing phenylbutenoid compounds with potent anti-inflammatory activity; however, its conventional form is inconvenient to use and exhibits variability in active compound content. This study aimed to develop a Kamala-based nanoemulsion gel to enhance dermal delivery and improve formulation consistency. Oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants were screened for their solubilization efficiency of (E)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)butadiene (DMPBD) and (E)-4-(3′,4′-dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-1-ol (Compound D) using GC–MS. Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed to identify isotropic regions, and nanoemulsions with different Smix ratios were prepared by ultrasonication. Droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), and short-term stability were evaluated. The optimized nanoemulsion was incorporated into a gel, and in vitro release was assessed using Franz diffusion cells. Coconut oil exhibited the highest solubilization capacity for both markers. A Tween 80:n-butanol system (2:1) generated the largest isotropic region (22.88%). The optimized formulation (Kamala extract:coconut oil:Smix:water = 1:2:50:47) showed droplet sizes of 77.92 ± 8.34 nm at 0 h and 130.89 ± 29.16 nm at 72 h, with PDI < 0.20. The nanoemulsion gel prepared with Aristoflex Velvet® (1% w/w) was transparent and physically stable. Franz diffusion studies demonstrated enhanced cumulative release and flux of Compound D in PBS containing 1% Tween 80. These findings indicate that the Kamala nanoemulsion gel is a promising topical delivery system for phenylbutenoid compounds in knee osteoarthritis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Gels Loaded with Natural Products (2nd Edition))
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18 pages, 2257 KB  
Article
Influence of Polymers Diversity on the Dissolution Kinetics of Encapsulated p-Coumaric Acid in Oral Systems
by Monika Jokubaite, Vakare Jokubaityte-Tunkeviciene and Kristina Ramanauskiene
Gels 2025, 11(12), 983; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11120983 - 7 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 890
Abstract
p-coumaric acid is a natural phenolic compound with antioxidant activity, but its poor solubility and low bioavailability limit its practical use in oral formulations. The aim of this study is to evaluate how different polymers affect the dissolution and antioxidant properties of [...] Read more.
p-coumaric acid is a natural phenolic compound with antioxidant activity, but its poor solubility and low bioavailability limit its practical use in oral formulations. The aim of this study is to evaluate how different polymers affect the dissolution and antioxidant properties of p-coumaric acid when incorporated into capsules and gels. Nine capsule compositions were prepared using poloxamer 407 (C1 group), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (C2 group), chitosan (C3 group) and 5 hydrogels (G group) with the same polymers. The results indicate that p-coumaric acid is poorly soluble in aqueous solvents. The selected polymers modified the solubility of p-coumaric acid. The best solubility of p-coumaric acid was observed in mixtures containing 14.3% Poloxamer 407 (P407). The results showed that the polymers significantly affected the release kinetics of p-coumaric acid from the modeled capsules and gels. It was observed that capsules containing 14.3% P407 and gels with 14% P407 exhibited the best dissolution kinetics of p-coumaric acid. Antioxidant activity was strongest in formulations that released more p-coumaric acid. The results of this study confirm that the type and amount of excipients significantly affect the quality of capsules and gels. p-coumaric acid has the potential to be used in food supplements as a natural antioxidant, but further research is needed to improve its bioavailability and ensure safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Gels Loaded with Natural Products (2nd Edition))
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