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Advanced Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery (2nd Edition)
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Advanced Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery (2nd Edition)

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2025) | Viewed by 33414

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jin-Oh Jeong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
Interests: biomaterials; tissue engineering; biomaterial engineering; biocompatibility; biodegradable polymers; biopolymers; stem cell differentiation; biomechanical engineering; material characterization; bone regeneration
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Hydrogel is a three-dimensional network structure with a polymer chain bonded through covalent and/or secondary bonds, which enables strong hydrogen bonding with water molecules. Hydrogel can contain drugs, cells, and a large amount of water which, when in contact with water, can cause substantial swelling. Hydrogel can also be degraded through tissue engineering by using the crosslinking method.

This Special Issue on “Advanced Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery” covers the theory of biopolymers for hydrogel fabrication, an introduction to various methods for hydrogel fabrication, drug loading/release effects, and recent developments in tissue engineering applications. Research on tissue engineering and the drug delivery of hydrogels has attracted considerable interest in the past decades. Recently, research has been conducted on controlling drug release and tissue engineering applications through various methods, such as electrical/physical stimulation, biofunctional modification for targeting/sustained release, and cell encapsulation. This Special Issue welcomes contributions on application of the methodology and fabrication of different types of hydrogels for effective drug delivery and tissue engineering.

Dr. Jin-Oh Jeong
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-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

  • biomaterial
  • hydrogel
  • tissue engineering
  • smart drug delivery
  • biopolymers

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Related Special Issues

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 2786 KB  
Article
Perfusion-Limited Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Adipose Tissue Grafts
by Hanan Jamal Mohamed, Wonwoo Jeong, Jiwon Choi, Min Kyeong Kim, Jonghyeuk Han and Hyun-Wook Kang
Gels 2026, 12(2), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12020185 - 22 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1441
Abstract
Autologous adipose tissue (AT) grafting is often compromised by insufficient early vascularization, leading to ischemia, fibrosis, and inconsistent long-term volume retention. Incorporating platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into AT bioinks offers a clinically accessible means to enhance vascular recruitment, but the in vivo impact of [...] Read more.
Autologous adipose tissue (AT) grafting is often compromised by insufficient early vascularization, leading to ischemia, fibrosis, and inconsistent long-term volume retention. Incorporating platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into AT bioinks offers a clinically accessible means to enhance vascular recruitment, but the in vivo impact of PRP dosage remains unclear. Here, we investigated how PRP concentration, uniformly integrated into a previously reported clinically relevant AT bioink, regulates vascular infiltration, tissue remodeling, and overall graft survival. High-dose PRP markedly improved graft performance, including an 8-fold increase in highly perfused regions, a 3.8-fold enhancement in adipocyte survival, a 1.67-fold reduction in fibrosis, and a 2.51-fold increase in collagen III deposition compared with PRP-free AT grafts. Histological analysis further demonstrated that PRP mitigates the adverse effects of poor perfusion, reducing regional disparities in survival and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. High-dose PRP also maximized graft retention, preserving 103% of graft mass relative to 50.6% in native AT. Together, these results establish a clear in vivo dose–response relationship for PRP-enhanced AT grafts and highlight platelet concentration as a key design parameter for soft-tissue reconstruction. This work provides a translational framework for optimizing PRP-functionalized bioinks to improve clinical outcomes in reconstructive surgery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery (2nd Edition))
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13 pages, 1974 KB  
Article
Cryoelectrospun Elastin-Alginate Scaffolds Support In Vitro 3D Epithelial-Stromal Cocultures for Salivary Tissue Engineering
by Pujhitha Ramesh, James Castracane, Melinda Larsen, Deirdre A. Nelson, Susan T. Sharfstein and Yubing Xie
Gels 2025, 11(12), 998; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11120998 - 11 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1603
Abstract
Bioengineered functional salivary tissues can advance regenerative therapies, preclinical drug testing, and the fundamental understanding of salivary gland dysfunction. Current salivary tissue models are typically Matrigel-based, hydrogel-based or scaffold-free organoid systems, with limited physiological relevance or mimicry of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) [...] Read more.
Bioengineered functional salivary tissues can advance regenerative therapies, preclinical drug testing, and the fundamental understanding of salivary gland dysfunction. Current salivary tissue models are typically Matrigel-based, hydrogel-based or scaffold-free organoid systems, with limited physiological relevance or mimicry of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. We previously developed elastin-alginate cryoelectrospun scaffolds (CES) that resemble the topography and viscoelastic properties of healthy salivary ECM, and validated their potential for stromal cell culture, delivery, and in vitro fibrosis modeling. Here, we evaluated the utility of CES to support 3D cocultures of salivary gland epithelial and mesenchymal cells in vitro. We compared CES with honeycomb-like topography (CES-H) to densely packed electrospun nanofibers (NFs) and CES with fibrous topography (CES-F) for their ability to support SIMS epithelial cell attachment, morphology, 3D clustering, phenotype and organization into distinct clusters when cocultured with stromal cells. Both CES-F and CES-H supported epithelial cell attachment and clustering; in particular, CES-H most effectively supported the self-organization of epithelial and stromal cells into distinct 3D clusters resembling the structure of native salivary tissue. Stromal cells were essential for maintaining the phenotype of epithelial cells cultured on CES-H, laying the foundation for the development of in vitro tissue models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery (2nd Edition))
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21 pages, 4980 KB  
Article
Advanced PMSSO Hydrogel Cross-Linked Cyclodextrin Composite Carrier for Enhanced Oral Delivery of Iron to Treat Anemia
by Polina Orlova, Sergei Sharikov, Vsevolod Frolov, Alexey Doroshenko, Ivan Meshkov, Anna Skuredina, Grigorii Lakienko, Egor Latipov, Alexandra Kalinina, Aziz Muzafarov and Irina Le-Deygen
Gels 2025, 11(12), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11120973 - 2 Dec 2025
Viewed by 536
Abstract
Iron deficiency anemia continues to pose a significant global health burden, necessitating the development of improved therapeutic delivery systems. This study investigates novel composite materials composed of organosilicon hydrogels and cross-linked sulfobutyl ether beta-cyclodextrin (SBECD) nanoparticles for the oral delivery of iron compounds. [...] Read more.
Iron deficiency anemia continues to pose a significant global health burden, necessitating the development of improved therapeutic delivery systems. This study investigates novel composite materials composed of organosilicon hydrogels and cross-linked sulfobutyl ether beta-cyclodextrin (SBECD) nanoparticles for the oral delivery of iron compounds. Two types of cross-linked SBECD nanoparticles were synthesized using 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate. These nanoparticles were characterized by DLS, NTA, and FTIR and possess size around 200–300 nm and negative zeta-potential around −35 mV with molecular weight 150–200 kDa. Various hydrogel matrices, including plain PMSSO hydrogels and modified versions with amino groups or silicate cross-links, are also described. The hydrogels were evaluated for their iron sorption capacity (up to 44% loading efficiency) and release kinetics for 3 h. The results demonstrate that cross-linked SBECD nanoparticles significantly enhance iron sorption and provide sustained release under simulated physiological conditions. Mathematical modeling indicated that the Higuchi model best describes the iron release kinetics. The findings suggest that the proposed composite materials hold considerable promise for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia, offering an innovative approach to enhance therapeutic efficacy and minimize adverse effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery (2nd Edition))
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21 pages, 2144 KB  
Article
In Vitro Release and In Vivo Study of Recombinant TGF-β and EGCG from Dual Self-Cross-Linked Alginate-Di-Aldehyde In Situ Injectable Hydrogel for the Repair of a Degenerated Intervertebral Disc in a Rat Tail
by Bushra Begum, Seema Mudhol, Baseera Begum, Syeda Noor Madni, Sharath Honganoor Padmanabha, Vazir Ashfaq Ahmed and N. Vishal Gupta
Gels 2025, 11(8), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080565 - 22 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1632
Abstract
Background and Objective: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a leading cause of lower back pain with limited regenerative treatments. Among emerging regenerative approaches, growth factor-based therapies, such as recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta (Rh-TGF-β), have shown potential for disc regeneration but are [...] Read more.
Background and Objective: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a leading cause of lower back pain with limited regenerative treatments. Among emerging regenerative approaches, growth factor-based therapies, such as recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta (Rh-TGF-β), have shown potential for disc regeneration but are hindered by rapid degradation and uncontrolled release by direct administration. Additionally, mechanical stress elevates heat shock protein 90 (HSP-90), impairing cell function and extracellular matrix (ECM) production. This study aimed to investigate a dual self-cross-linked alginate di-aldehyde (ADA) hydrogel system for the sustained delivery of Rh-TGF-β and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to enhance protein stability, regulate release, and promote disc regeneration by targeting both regenerative and stress-response pathways. Methods: ELISA and UV-Vis spectrophotometry assessed Rh-TGF-β and EGCG release profiles. A rat tail IVDD model was established with an Ilizarov-type external fixator for loading, followed by hydrogel treatment with or without bioactive agents. Disc height, tissue structure, and protein expression were evaluated via radiography, histological staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. Results: The hydrogel demonstrated a biphasic release profile with 100% Rh-TGF-β released over 60 days and complete EGCG release achieved within 15 days. Treated groups showed improved disc height, structural integrity, and proteoglycan retention revealed by histological analysis and elevated HSP-90 expression by immunohistochemistry. In contrast, Western blot analysis confirmed that EGCG effectively downregulated HSP-90 expression, suggesting a reduction in mechanical stress-induced degeneration. Conclusions: ADA hydrogel effectively delivers therapeutic agents, offering a promising strategy for IVDD treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery (2nd Edition))
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15 pages, 20120 KB  
Article
Composite Polysaccharide Hydrogel Loaded with Scutellaria baicalensis Extract for Diabetic Wound Treatment
by Yumeng Zhu, Fangyan Li, Shuo Wang, Hongmei Shi, Minqian Zhao, Shaohong You, Sibo Su and Gang Cheng
Gels 2024, 10(9), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10090605 - 23 Sep 2024
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2664
Abstract
Diabetic wounds present significant burdens to both patients and the healthcare system due to their prolonged inflammatory phase and adverse microenvironment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly Scutellaria baicalensis extract (SE), has shown promise in wound healing. Herein, sesbania gum (SG) was oxidized and [...] Read more.
Diabetic wounds present significant burdens to both patients and the healthcare system due to their prolonged inflammatory phase and adverse microenvironment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly Scutellaria baicalensis extract (SE), has shown promise in wound healing. Herein, sesbania gum (SG) was oxidized and formed hydrogel with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) through the imine bond. Then, SE was loaded into the hydrogel as a wound dressing (CMCS−OSG@SE hydrogel). In vitro experiments demonstrated the mechanical properties and ROS scavenging efficiency of the hydrogel, as well as the release of SE and its biocompatibility. In an vivo study, diabetic mice with S. aureus infection were used, and the CMCS−-OSG@SE hydrogel dressing accelerated wound healing by promoting epidermal regeneration and collagen deposition. This composite polysaccharide hydrogel loaded with SE shows great potential for diabetic wound treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery (2nd Edition))
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Review

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23 pages, 989 KB  
Review
A Review of Advanced Hydrogel Applications for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery Systems as Biomaterials
by Hoon Choi, Wan-Sun Choi and Jin-Oh Jeong
Gels 2024, 10(11), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10110693 - 25 Oct 2024
Cited by 85 | Viewed by 24541
Abstract
Hydrogels are known for their high water retention capacity and biocompatibility and have become essential materials in tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. This review explores recent advancements in hydrogel technology, focusing on innovative types such as self-healing, tough, smart, and hybrid hydrogels, [...] Read more.
Hydrogels are known for their high water retention capacity and biocompatibility and have become essential materials in tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. This review explores recent advancements in hydrogel technology, focusing on innovative types such as self-healing, tough, smart, and hybrid hydrogels, each engineered to overcome the limitations of conventional hydrogels. Self-healing hydrogels can autonomously repair structural damage, making them well-suited for applications in dynamic biomedical environments. Tough hydrogels are designed with enhanced mechanical properties, enabling their use in load-bearing applications such as cartilage regeneration. Smart hydrogels respond to external stimuli, including changes in pH, temperature, and electromagnetic fields, making them ideal for controlled drug release tailored to specific medical needs. Hybrid hydrogels, made from both natural and synthetic polymers, combine bioactivity and mechanical resilience, which is particularly valuable in engineering complex tissues. Despite these innovations, challenges such as optimizing biocompatibility, adjusting degradation rates, and scaling up production remain. This review provides an in-depth analysis of these emerging hydrogel technologies, highlighting their transformative potential in both tissue engineering and drug delivery while outlining future directions for their development in biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery (2nd Edition))
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