Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.6
5.3
Journals
Gels
Special Issues
Designing Gels for Antibacterial and Antiviral Agents
share announcement

Designing Gels for Antibacterial and Antiviral Agents

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2024) | Viewed by 9811

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Andrea Maria Chisnoiu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Prosthodontics, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: resinous cement; biomaterials; adhesive dentistry; dental materials; dental erosion; prosthodontics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Andreea Kui

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Prosthetic Dentistry and Dental Materials Department, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: prosthetic dentistry; oral surgery; dental materials; all ceramic materials; temporo mandibualr disorders; dental education
Dr. Codruţa Saroși

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Polymer Composites, Institute of Chemistry “Raluca Ripan”, Babes-Bolyai University, 30 Fantanele street, 400294 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: biomaterials; inorganic fillers; nanomaterials; antibacterial effect; graphene; gels
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Smaranda Buduru

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Prosthodontics, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400347, Romania
Interests: occlusion; temporomandibular disorders; aestethic dentistry; digital dentistry; CAD/CAM; digital occlusion; digital smile design; genetics and tissue engineering; novel dental materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Our efforts to stop the spread of antimicrobial agents depend on the discovery and development of novel antimicrobial soft materials (especially gels). Furthermore, gels and other soft materials must be understood from a molecular perspective, starting with the design process as well as how they interact with microbes and their antimicrobial and antiviral properties.

Recent advances in antimicrobial gels are the focus of this Special Issue on “Designing Gels for Antibacterial and Antiviral Agents”, which covers most aspects of antimicrobial gel fabrication, characterization, and applications. It will cover a broad range of topics, including the structure and behavior of antibacterial agents and gels, the antibacterial and antiviral mechanisms of gels, tissue regeneration, and antimicrobial gel applications.

Infections caused by bacteria pose one of the most serious threats to human health. In addition, a threat to human health worldwide has been posed by antibacterial-resistant bacteria (so-called “superbugs”) due to the widespread use of antibiotics. There are many clinical applications for antimicrobial gels, including wound healing. Further, antimicrobial gels are expected to stimulate new research and discoveries. To achieve progress in this field, an interdisciplinary approach is required to gain a deeper understanding of the structure of antibacterial gels and the mechanisms that underlie antimicrobial activity.

There can never be a complete coverage of antimicrobial gel science in a single issue. However, this Special Issue will include a variety of topics, including the molecular basis of soft materials’ antimicrobial activity, the mechanisms by which microbial agents interact with soft materials, characterization of soft materials and gels’ antimicrobial activity, and the adhesion of microbial agents to gels. There is also a focus on the synthesis, characterization, and processing of novel antimicrobial and antiviral gels, as well as synthetic and natural, hybrid, and composite gels that deliver antimicrobial agents effectively over long periods of time.

We hope that the topics will stimulate new research and discoveries in antimicrobial networks and gels.

Dr. Andrea Maria Chisnoiu
Dr. Andreea Kui
Dr. Codruţa Saroși
Dr. Smaranda Buduru
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

  • antibacterial
  • antimicrobial activity
  • gels
  • hydrogels
  • adhesion
  • tissue engineering
  • synthesis and characterization

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

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

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

22 pages, 5770 KiB  
Article
Layer-by-Layer Biopolymer-Coated Deformable Liposomes–In Situ Gel: A Hybrid Strategy for Enhanced Ocular Delivery of Itraconazole: In Vitro and In Vivo Appraisal
by Mohamed M. Badran, Areej Alsubaie, Mounir M. Salem Bekhit, Abdullah H. Alomrani and Aliyah Almomen
Gels 2025, 11(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11010019 - 31 Dec 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1133
Abstract
Itraconazole (ITZ) is a potent antifungal agent. Its oral administration is associated with systemic toxicity, and its efficacy in ocular formulations is limited. This study aims to enhance ITZ’s ocular permeation and antifungal efficacy by loading it into deformable liposomes (DLs) based on [...] Read more.
Itraconazole (ITZ) is a potent antifungal agent. Its oral administration is associated with systemic toxicity, and its efficacy in ocular formulations is limited. This study aims to enhance ITZ’s ocular permeation and antifungal efficacy by loading it into deformable liposomes (DLs) based on Tween 80 (T) or Poloxamer 188 (P). Moreover, ITZ was loaded into biopolymer-coated DLs to augment its ocular availability. ITZ-loaded DLs were coated with hyaluronic acid (HA-DLs), chitosan (CS-DLs), or a layer-by-layer coating (CS/HA-DLs). These formulations were further laden into pH-sensitive in situ gels to provide a hybrid system to intensify their ocular adhesion properties. The prepared DLs were successfully prepared with vesicle sizes in nonorange (<200 nm). The zeta potential values of DLS were negative before coating and shifted to high negativity with HA coating and positivity with CS and CS/HA bilayer coating. These variations of zeta potential indicate successful CS and HA coatings. The optimized A high EE% was achieved with DLs-T: 89% (CS/HA-DLs-T), 86% (CS-DLs-T), 85% (HA-DLs-T), and 79% (HA-DLs-T). Therefore, DLs-T were incorporated into in situ gels, displaying optimal gelling capacity and viscosity. The release rate of ITZ from the coated DLs-laden in situ gels was slower than that observed with the uncoated DLs-gel. CS/HA-DLs-T laden-in situ gels showed the highest ex vivo transcorneal permeability and antifungal efficacy. These data suggest that the layer-by-layer-CS/HA-DLs-T presents a hopeful strategy for the ocular delivery of ITZ, offering a promising approach for managing ocular fungal infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Gels for Antibacterial and Antiviral Agents)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 3538 KiB  
Article
Hemostatic Antimicrobial Hydrogels Based on Silicon, Iron, Zinc, and Boron Glycerolates for Wound Healing Applications
by Tat’yana Khonina, Semyon Alekseenko, Elena Shadrina, Il’ya Ganebnykh, Alexander Mekhaev, Leonid Larionov, Maria Dobrinskaya, Nadezhda Izmozherova, Irina Antropova, Maxim Karabanalov, Muza Kokhan, Natali’ya Evstigneeva and Oleg Chupakhin
Gels 2024, 10(12), 795; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10120795 - 5 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1452
Abstract
The use of glycerolates of biogenic elements as biocompatible precursors in sol–gel synthesis is an innovative direction and opens up new scientific and practical prospects in chemistry and technology of producing practically important biomedical materials, including hemostatic, antimicrobial, and wound healing materials. Using [...] Read more.
The use of glycerolates of biogenic elements as biocompatible precursors in sol–gel synthesis is an innovative direction and opens up new scientific and practical prospects in chemistry and technology of producing practically important biomedical materials, including hemostatic, antimicrobial, and wound healing materials. Using biocompatible precursors, silicon, zinc, boron, and iron glycerolates, new bioactive nanocomposite hydrogels were obtained by the sol–gel method. The composition and structural features of the hydrogels were studied using a complex of modern analytical techniques, including TEM, XRD, AES, and ESI MS. Hemostatic activity of the hydrogels was studied in the in vivo experiments; using the example of silicon-iron-zinc-boron glycerolates hydrogel, primary toxicological studies were carried out. Antimicrobial properties of hydrogels were studied using the agar diffusion method. The structural features of hydrogels and their relationship to medical and biological properties were revealed. It was shown that glycerolates hydrogels are non-toxic, and exhibit pronounced hemostatic activity, generally comparable to the commercial hemostatic drug Capramine. Antimicrobial activity is more pronounced for silicon-iron-zinc-boron and silicon-iron-boron glycerolates gel. The results obtained indicate that these glycerolates hydrogels are potential hemostatic and antibiotic-independent antimicrobial agents for topical wound healing applications in medical and veterinary practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Gels for Antibacterial and Antiviral Agents)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 2547 KiB  
Article
The Effect of a Nature-Based Gel on Gingival Inflammation and the Proteomic Profile of Crevicular Fluid: A Randomized Clinical Trial
by Luciene Cristina Figueiredo, Bruno Bueno-Silva, Giovanna Denúncio, Nathalia Freitas Figueiredo, Daniele Ferreira da Cruz, Jamil A. Shibli, Maria Helena R. Borges, Valentim A. R. Barão, Doron Haim, Thabet Asbi and João Gabriel S. Souza
Gels 2024, 10(12), 772; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10120772 - 27 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1175
Abstract
Evidence has shown the clear positive effects of nature-based products on biofilm control and improved gingival health. However, most studies have used in vitro models, have tested single natural components, or have not evaluated proteomic changes after treatment. This double-blind, parallel, randomized, and [...] Read more.
Evidence has shown the clear positive effects of nature-based products on biofilm control and improved gingival health. However, most studies have used in vitro models, have tested single natural components, or have not evaluated proteomic changes after treatment. This double-blind, parallel, randomized, and controlled clinical trial evaluated the benefits of a nature-based gel in controlling gingival inflammation and its effects on the proteomic gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) profile. Gingivitis patients were distributed into the following groups: (1) nature-based gel containing propolis, aloe vera, green tea, cranberry, and calendula (n = 10); (2) control—conventional toothpaste (n = 10). GCF was collected and evaluated by means of liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). At 3 months, the groups showed similar clinical benefits (p < 0.05). A total of 480 proteins were identified across all groups. In a pooled comparison of both groups at both time points, exclusive proteins were identified in the nature-based gel (78) and the control (21) groups. The exclusive proteins identified for the toothpaste mainly acted in wound healing, and those for the nature-based gel mainly acted on immune system processes. The nature-based gel achieved similar clinical outcomes to conventional toothpaste. However, the nature-based gel markedly changed the proteomic profile of GCF after treatment, showing a profile associated with a host response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Gels for Antibacterial and Antiviral Agents)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 5122 KiB  
Article
Enhancing the Topical Antibacterial Activity of Fusidic Acid via Embedding into Cinnamon Oil Nano-Lipid Carrier
by Heba S. Elsewedy, Tamer M. Shehata, Shaymaa M. Genedy, Khuzama M. Siddiq, Bushra Y. Asiri, Rehab A. Alshammari, Sarah I. Bukhari, Adeola T. Kola-Mustapha, Heba A. Ramadan and Wafaa E. Soliman
Gels 2024, 10(4), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10040268 - 16 Apr 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2475
Abstract
Presently, antimicrobial resistance is of great risk to remarkable improvements in health conditions and infection management. Resistance to various antibiotics has been considered a great obstacle in their usage, necessitating alternative strategies for enhancing the antibacterial effect. Combination therapy has been recognized as [...] Read more.
Presently, antimicrobial resistance is of great risk to remarkable improvements in health conditions and infection management. Resistance to various antibiotics has been considered a great obstacle in their usage, necessitating alternative strategies for enhancing the antibacterial effect. Combination therapy has been recognized as a considerable strategy that could improve the therapeutic influence of antibacterial agents. Therefore, the aim of this study was to combine the antibacterial action of compounds of natural origin like fusidic acid (FA) and cinnamon essential oil (CEO) for synergistic effects. A distinctive nanoemulsion (NE) was developed using cinnamon oil loaded with FA. Applying the Box–Behnken design (BBD) approach, one optimized formula was selected and integrated into a gel base to provide an FA-NE-hydrogel for optimal topical application. The FA-NE-hydrogel was examined physically, studied for in vitro release, and investigated for stability upon storage at different conditions, at room (25 °C) and refrigerator (4 °C) temperatures, for up to 3 months. Ultimately, the NE-hydrogel preparation was inspected for its antibacterial behavior using multidrug-resistant bacteria and checked by scanning electron microscopy. The FA-NE-hydrogel formulation demonstrated a pH (6.32), viscosity (12,680 cP), and spreadability (56.7 mm) that are acceptable for topical application. The in vitro release could be extended for 6 h, providing 52.0%. The formulation was stable under both test conditions for up to 3 months of storage. Finally, the FA-NE-hydrogel was found to inhibit the bacterial growth of not only Gram-positive but also Gram-negative bacteria. The inhibition was further elucidated by a scanning electron micrograph, indicating the efficiency of CEO in enhancing the antibacterial influence of FA when combined in an NE system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Gels for Antibacterial and Antiviral Agents)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2630 KiB  
Article
Development and Characterization of a Hand Rub Gel Produced with Artisan Alcohol (Puntas), Silver Nanoparticles, and Saponins from Quinoa
by Oscar Analuiza, Belen Paredes, Alejandra Lascano, Santiago Bonilla and José-Luis Martínez-Guitarte
Gels 2024, 10(4), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10040234 - 29 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2825
Abstract
The emergence of the global pandemic (COVID-19) has directed global attention towards the importance of hygiene as the primary defense against various infections. In this sense, one of the frequent recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) is regular hand washing and the [...] Read more.
The emergence of the global pandemic (COVID-19) has directed global attention towards the importance of hygiene as the primary defense against various infections. In this sense, one of the frequent recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) is regular hand washing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Ethanol is the most widely used alcohol due to its effectiveness in eliminating pathogens, ease of use, and widespread production. However, artisanal alcohol, generally used as a spirit drink, could be a viable alternative for developing sanitizing gels. In this study, the use of alcohol “Puntas”, silver nanoparticles, and saponins from quinoa was evaluated to produce hand sanitizer gels. The rheological, physicochemical, and antimicrobial properties were evaluated. In the previous assays, the formulations were adjusted to be similar in visual viscosity to the control gel. A clear decrease in the apparent viscosity was observed with increasing shear rate, and an inversely proportional relationship was observed with the amount of ethyl alcohol used in the formulations. The flow behavior index (n) values reflected a pseudoplastic behavior. Oscillatory dynamic tests were performed to analyze the viscoelastic behavior of gels. A decrease in storage modulus (G′) and an increase in loss modulus (G″) as a function of the angular velocity (ω) was observed. The evaluation of pH showed that the gels complied with the requirements to be in contact with the skin of the people, and the textural parameters showed that the control gel was the hardest. The use of artisan alcohol could be an excellent alternative to produce sanitizer gel and contribute to the requirements of the population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Gels for Antibacterial and Antiviral Agents)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop