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Gels
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Novel Polymer Gels: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
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Novel Polymer Gels: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2025) | Viewed by 10927

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Amin Babaei-Ghazvini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada
Interests: polymer gels; carbohydrate polymers; cellulose nanocrystals; packaging; nanoparticles; sustainable materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

"Novel Polymer Gels: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications", with a focus on hydrogels, elastomers, and preparation methods:

Polymer gels, including hydrogels, aerogels, cryogels, and elastomers, have emerged as versatile materials with a wide range of applications in various fields, including biomedicine, soft robotics, and environmental remediation. This Special Issue aims to gather the latest research and advancements in the synthesis, characterization, properties, and applications of novel polymer gels.

Synthesis and Fabrication:

  • Novel synthesis methods for polymer gels, including hydrogels and elastomers, such as chemical and physical crosslinking techniques, enzymatic synthesis, and click chemistry approaches.
  • Advances in the design and fabrication of polymer gels with tailored properties, including stimuli-responsive gels, self-healing gels, and shape memory gels.
  • Green synthesis approaches for polymer gels, emphasizing sustainability and environmentally friendly processes.

Characterization:

  • Structural characterization of polymer gels using techniques such as spectroscopy, microscopy, and scattering methods to understand their molecular and supramolecular structures.
  • Mechanical and rheological properties of polymer gels, including their viscoelastic behavior, toughness, and modulus, and their response to external stimuli.
  • Swelling behavior and stimuli-responsive properties of polymer gels, including their response to pH, temperature, light, and other environmental cues.

Properties:

  • Electrical, optical, and thermal properties of polymer gels and their composites, highlighting their potential in electronic skins, sensors, actuators, and energy storage devices.
  • Biocompatibility and bio-functionality of polymer gels for applications in drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.
  • Self-healing and shape memory properties of polymer gels, showcasing their ability to recover from mechanical damage and retain programmed shapes.
  • Polymer gels with antimicrobial properties are particularly useful in biomedical applications, where they can help prevent infections in wounds or medical devices. These gels can also be used in food packaging to extend the shelf life of perishable products by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. Additionally, in environmental applications, antimicrobial polymer gels can be used to control the growth of algae and other organisms in water treatment systems.

Applications:

  • Drug delivery systems based on polymer gels, including controlled release formulations, implantable devices, and targeted delivery systems.
  • Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications of polymer gels, such as scaffolds for cell growth, wound healing, and organ-on-a-chip platforms.
  • Soft robotics and actuators using polymer gels, highlighting their flexibility, adaptability, and responsiveness for soft robotic systems.
  • Sensors and actuators based on polymer gels, demonstrating their ability to detect and respond to various stimuli for sensing and actuation applications.
  • Environmental applications of polymer gels, including water purification, oil spill cleanup, and environmental sensing, showcasing their potential for sustainable solutions.

Preparation Methods:

  • Microfluidic and 3D printing techniques for the fabrication of complex structures and gradients in polymer gels.
  • Hybrid and composite gels combining polymer gels with other materials to achieve enhanced properties and functionalities.
  • Scale-up strategies for the production of polymer gels, addressing the challenges of translating laboratory-scale synthesis to industrial-scale manufacturing.

Contributions to this Special Issue can include original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that provide insights into the current state-of-the-art, challenges, and future directions in the field of novel polymer gels. The Special Issue welcomes submissions from researchers in academia, industry, and government laboratories, aiming to foster collaboration and innovation in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.

Dr. Amin Babaei-Ghazvini
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 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

  • polymer gels
  • chemical and physical crosslinking
  • stimuli-responsive
  • self-healing
  • antimicrobial
  • drug delivery
  • tissue engineering
  • soft robotics
  • sensors
  • environmental

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

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

7 pages, 254 KiB  
Editorial
Novel Polymer Gels: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
by Amin Babaei-Ghazvini
Gels 2025, 11(8), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080598 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 131
Abstract
Polymer gels are a versatile class of soft, semi-solid materials characterized by a three-dimensional cross-linked network that can absorb significant amounts of solvent [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Polymer Gels: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)

Research

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14 pages, 4242 KiB  
Article
Study on Filter Cake Removal Fluid of EZFLOW Weak Gel Drilling Fluid
by Haohan Hu, Youlin Hu and Xuejing Weng
Gels 2025, 11(5), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11050347 - 8 May 2025
Viewed by 510
Abstract
EZFLOW weak gel drilling fluid, a drilling fluid system with distinctive internal architecture, has been extensively implemented in horizontal well drilling operations at the Western South China Sea oilfields. Its unique internal structure causes specific functional mechanisms. The rheological mechanism was investigated through [...] Read more.
EZFLOW weak gel drilling fluid, a drilling fluid system with distinctive internal architecture, has been extensively implemented in horizontal well drilling operations at the Western South China Sea oilfields. Its unique internal structure causes specific functional mechanisms. The rheological mechanism was investigated through microstructural characterization, revealing that the microstructure comprises a reversible network structure with sol particles either encapsulated within the network or embedded at nodal points. This distinctive spatial network configuration endows the system with exceptional rheological properties. The plugging mechanism was elucidated via pre- and post-PPA test characterization of sand disc surface morphology. Experimental results demonstrate that the rheology modifier EZVIS forms deformable aggregates and films through intermolecular or intramolecular association in aqueous solutions, effectively plugging micro-nano pores/throats and microfractures to inhibit drilling fluid filtrate invasion. Concurrently, the rigid plugging material EZCARB establishes physical barriers at micro-nano pores/throats through bridging mechanisms. Notably, the dense filter cake formed by EZFLOW weak gel drilling fluid exhibits poor flowback characteristics, potentially inducing reservoir damage. Based on mechanistic analyses of rheological behavior, plugging performance, and filter cake composition, a filter cake removal fluid formulation was developed through: (1) creation of retarded acid HWCP to degrade polymer EZVIS and dissolve temporary plugging agent EZCARB; (2) development of corrosion inhibitor HWCI to mitigate corrosion rates. Laboratory evaluations demonstrated effective filter cake elimination and reservoir protection capabilities. Post-treatment analysis of EZFLOW-contaminated reservoir cores showed complete filter cake removal at core end faces with permeability recovery values exceeding 95%, indicating superior filter cake dissolution capacity and reservoir protection performance that significantly reduces formation damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Polymer Gels: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)
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12 pages, 2647 KiB  
Article
Hydration and Hardening Properties of High Fly-Ash Content Gel Material for Cemented Paste Backfill Utilization
by Bolin Xiao, Jiandong Wang, Aixiang Wu and Ruiming Guo
Gels 2024, 10(10), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10100623 - 27 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1015
Abstract
As more and more mines utilize the cemented paste backfill (CPB) mining method, the demand for reducing backfill cost and carbon footprint is increasing and becoming more critical. In this work, a new backfill gel binder made with 40 wt.% of low-quality Class [...] Read more.
As more and more mines utilize the cemented paste backfill (CPB) mining method, the demand for reducing backfill cost and carbon footprint is increasing and becoming more critical. In this work, a new backfill gel binder made with 40 wt.% of low-quality Class F fly ash (FCM) is proposed to replace ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The binder hydration and gel hardening properties were experimentally investigated through X-ray diffraction, Mercury intrusion porosimetry, uniaxial compression, and thermogravimetric analysis. Three different mine tailings were used to verify the FCM’s applicability. Results show that the strength performance of FCM-CPB is 72% of that of OPC-CPB, while FCM production cost is almost less than half of OPC. The hydration process of the FCM-CPB can be divided into five stages, and the main hydration products are ettringite and gel-like hydrates. The 31.2% porosity of FCM-CPB at 28-day curing is higher than that of 7-day curing, while the average pore size is lower, and the structure is denser. The FCM can meet the strength requirement of three different mine tailings regarding different subsequent filling and cut-and-fill mining methods. The proposed FCM provides a feasible alternative with economic and environmental benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Polymer Gels: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)
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10 pages, 3051 KiB  
Article
A Novel Biomineralized Collagen Liquid Crystal Hydrogel Possessing Bone-like Nanostructures by Complete In Vitro Fabrication
by Xiaoting Li, Qiaoying Wang and Qingrong Wei
Gels 2024, 10(9), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10090550 - 25 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1759
Abstract
The microstructure of bone consists of nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) crystals aligned within the interspaces of collagen fibrils. To emulate this unique microstructure of bone, this work applied two biomimetic techniques to obtain bone-like microstructures in vitro, that is, combining the construction of collagen liquid [...] Read more.
The microstructure of bone consists of nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) crystals aligned within the interspaces of collagen fibrils. To emulate this unique microstructure of bone, this work applied two biomimetic techniques to obtain bone-like microstructures in vitro, that is, combining the construction of collagen liquid crystal hydrogel (CLCH) with the application of a polymer-induced liquid precursor (PILP) mineralization process. Upon the elevation of pH, the collagen macromolecules within the collagen liquid crystal (CLC) were activated to self-assemble into CLCH, whose fibrils packed into a long and dense fiber bundle in high orientation, emulating the dense-packed matrix of bone. We demonstrated that the fibrillar mineralization of CLCH, leading to a bone-like nanostructured inorganic material part, can be achieved using the PILP crystallization process to pre-mineralize the dense collagen substrates of CLCH with CaCO3, immediately followed by the in situ mineral phase transformation of CaCO3 into weak-crystalline nano-HA. The combination of CLCH with the biomineralization process of PILP, together with the mineral phase transformation, achieved the in vitro simulation of the nanostructures of both the organic extracellular matrix (ECM) and inorganic ECM of bone. This design would constitute a novel idea for the design of three-dimension biomimetic bone-like material blocks for clinical needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Polymer Gels: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)
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23 pages, 3899 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Load-Bearing Capacity of Calcareous Sands through Gel Stabilization: A Mechanical and Material Characterization Study
by Jianxiao Gu, Haibo Lyu, Bo Li, Yong Wang, Hui Chen, Xinyi Gao and Xiaojiang Xu
Gels 2024, 10(6), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10060373 - 28 May 2024
Viewed by 1519
Abstract
Calcareous sands often display wide ring grain configurations, high intragranular porosity, a complex structure, and low grain hardness. These attributes typically do not meet the strength criteria necessary to sustain overlying infrastructure in civil engineering applications. This study investigates gel stabilization techniques, blending [...] Read more.
Calcareous sands often display wide ring grain configurations, high intragranular porosity, a complex structure, and low grain hardness. These attributes typically do not meet the strength criteria necessary to sustain overlying infrastructure in civil engineering applications. This study investigates gel stabilization techniques, blending gel material with calcareous sand at concentrations ranging from 5% to 22%, followed by curing periods of 3 to 28 days to evaluate the load-bearing capacity. Subsequently, an unconfined compressive test is performed to determine the gel material content in stabilized specimens and investigate the influence of gel material types. The gel material-to-sand ratios employed are set at 5%, 10%, and 16% for Portland cement and 13%, 16%, and 22% for gypsum. After that, a triaxial consolidated undrained test is conducted to assess mechanical behavior, pore water pressure, and mechanical properties. The findings reveal increased dilation, stress–strain hardening, and softening post-yield, regardless of gel material type. Principal stress ratios, secant modulus, and cohesion show a positive correlation with maintenance duration and binder content, with implications for improved load-bearing capacity. The study also elucidates the qualitative relationship between secant modulus E50 and confining pressure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Polymer Gels: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)
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Review

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26 pages, 11239 KiB  
Review
Microbial Mineral Gel Network for Enhancing the Performance of Recycled Concrete: A Review
by Yuanxun Zheng, Liwei Wang, Hongyin Xu, Tianhang Zhang, Peng Zhang and Menglong Qi
Gels 2025, 11(8), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080581 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 235
Abstract
The dramatic increase in urban construction waste poses severe environmental challenges. Utilizing waste concrete to produce recycled aggregates (RA) for manufacturing recycled concrete (RC) represents an effective strategy for resource utilization. However, inherent defects in RA, such as high porosity, microcracks, and adherent [...] Read more.
The dramatic increase in urban construction waste poses severe environmental challenges. Utilizing waste concrete to produce recycled aggregates (RA) for manufacturing recycled concrete (RC) represents an effective strategy for resource utilization. However, inherent defects in RA, such as high porosity, microcracks, and adherent old mortar layers, lead to significant performance degradation of the resulting RC, limiting its widespread application. Traditional methods for enhancing RA often suffer from limitations, including high energy consumption, increased costs, or the introduction of new pollutants. MICP offers an innovative approach for enhancing RC performance. This technique employs the metabolic activity of specific microorganisms to induce the formation of a three-dimensionally interwoven calcium carbonate gel network within the pores and on the surface of RA. This gel network can improve the inherent defects of RA, thereby enhancing the performance of RC. Compared to conventional techniques, this approach demonstrates significant environmental benefits and enhances concrete compressive strength by 5–30%. Furthermore, embedding mineralizing microbial spores within the pores of RA enables the production of self-healing RC. This review systematically explores recent research advances in microbial mineral gel network for improving RC performance. It begins by delineating the fundamental mechanisms underlying microbial mineralization, detailing the key biochemical reactions driving the formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) gel, and introducing the common types of microorganisms involved. Subsequently, it critically discusses the key environmental factors influencing the effectiveness of MICP treatment on RA and strategies for their optimization. The analysis focuses on the enhancement of critical mechanical properties of RC achieved through MICP treatment, elucidating the underlying strengthening mechanisms at the microscale. Furthermore, the review synthesizes findings on the self-healing efficiency of MICP-based RC, including such metrics as crack width healing ratio, permeability recovery, and restoration of mechanical properties. Key factors influencing self-healing effectiveness are also discussed. Finally, building upon the current research landscape, the review provides perspectives on future research directions for advancing microbial mineralization gel techniques to enhance RC performance, offering a theoretical reference for translating this technology into practical engineering applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Polymer Gels: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)
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Graphical abstract

51 pages, 10069 KiB  
Review
Biomaterials in Postoperative Adhesion Barriers and Uterine Tissue Engineering
by Abbas Fazel Anvari-Yazdi, Ildiko Badea and Xiongbiao Chen
Gels 2025, 11(6), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11060441 - 9 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3455
Abstract
Postoperative adhesions (POAs) are a common and often serious complication following abdominal and gynecologic surgeries, leading to infertility, chronic pain, and bowel obstruction. To address these outcomes, the development of anti-adhesion barriers using biocompatible materials has emerged as a key area of biomedical [...] Read more.
Postoperative adhesions (POAs) are a common and often serious complication following abdominal and gynecologic surgeries, leading to infertility, chronic pain, and bowel obstruction. To address these outcomes, the development of anti-adhesion barriers using biocompatible materials has emerged as a key area of biomedical research. This article presents a comprehensive overview of clinically relevant natural and synthetic biomaterials explored for POA prevention, emphasizing their degradation behavior, barrier integrity, and translational progress. Natural biopolymers—such as collagen, gelatin, fibrin, silk fibroin, and decellularized extracellular matrices—are discussed alongside polysaccharides, including alginate, chitosan, and carboxymethyl cellulose, focusing on their structural features and biological functionality. Synthetic polymers, including polycaprolactone (PCL), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), are also examined for their tunable degradation profiles (spanning days to months), mechanical robustness, and capacity for drug incorporation. Recent innovations, such as bioprinted and electrospun dual-layer membranes, are highlighted for their enhanced anti-fibrotic performance in preclinical studies. By consolidating current material strategies and fabrication techniques, this work aims to support informed material selection while also identifying key knowledge gaps—particularly the limited comparative data on degradation kinetics, inconsistent definitions of ideal mechanical properties, and the need for more research into cell-responsive barrier systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Polymer Gels: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)
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33 pages, 10150 KiB  
Review
Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Gel Composites Reinforced by Plant Fiber: A Review
by Peng Zhang, Xiao Zhang, Jinjun Guo, Yuanxun Zheng and Zhen Gao
Gels 2025, 11(5), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11050362 - 14 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1143
Abstract
Plant fibers (PFs) have been increasingly employed in cement-based gel composites (CCs) on account of their excellent mechanical properties, toughness and sustainability. Researchers have engaged in a lot of studies on plant fiber-reinforced cement-based gel composites (PFRCCs). Based on these studies, the chemical [...] Read more.
Plant fibers (PFs) have been increasingly employed in cement-based gel composites (CCs) on account of their excellent mechanical properties, toughness and sustainability. Researchers have engaged in a lot of studies on plant fiber-reinforced cement-based gel composites (PFRCCs). Based on these studies, the chemical components and mechanical characteristics of PFs are summed up in this review. In addition, the modification methods for matrices and PFs are also discussed. The mechanical properties of PFRCCs, including static and dynamic properties, are reviewed. Predictive equations for the mechanical properties of PFRCCs are summarized in this paper. In the end, the characteristics of the interface transition zones between PFs and CCs are analyzed. According to the results of previous studies, the addition of PFs can enhance the flexural strength and tensile strength of CCs, but it can have an uncertain effect on compressive strength. The elastic modulus and fracture behavior of PFRCCs increases with the addition of PFs. At the same time, modification methods have been proved to be useful in reducing the degradation of PFs in CCs. Generally speaking, PFRCCs are new building materials which have extensive application prospects. The aim of this review is to help researchers understand the mechanical properties of PFRCCs and to promote the application of PFRCCs in future projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Polymer Gels: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)
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