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Gels
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Innovative Gels: Structure, Properties, and Emerging Applications
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Innovative Gels: Structure, Properties, and Emerging Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2026 | Viewed by 8313

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Teodora Staicu

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Guest Editor
Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 4-12 Regina Elisabeta Blvd., 030018 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: polymers; surfactants; polymer rheology; biopolymers; hydrogels; pressure-sensitive adhesives
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Marin Micutz

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Guest Editor
Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 4-12 Regina Elisabeta Blvd., 030018 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: pressure-sensitive adhesives; polymer synthesis; collagen extraction and processing; collagen-based materials; polymer/biopolymer gels; polymer-surfactant interactions; rheology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As physically and/or chemically crosslinked 3D systems, gels have received much attention in recent decades, to such an extent that most fundamental and applied research in the field of materials refers, more or less, to the gel state of matter.

Depending on the nature of the immobilized liquid phase, there are two general kinds of gels: hydrogels—in which the majority of the liquid phase is aqueous—and organogels—in which the immobilized liquid consists of an organic solvent or a homogenous mixture of organic solvents, irrespective of the characteristics of the gelator(s) (natural, synthetic, or with low or high molecular mass) and the attractive interactions (physical or chemical between gelator molecules) through which the entire gel-like system is crosslinked.

Beyond the countless applications of hydrogels and organogels in chemistry, radiochemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, reconstruction and regenerative medicine, cosmetics, the food industry, biotechnology, and environmental protection, it is important and necessary to strive for the continuous adjustment and development of methods for the investigation and characterization of such complex systems.

Considering that gels can generally be studied and characterized in their swollen (as-prepared) and/or dry state (via air-drying or freeze-drying), this Special Issue focuses on the latest results, obtained using appropriate methods of investigation, characterization, and analyses, regarding the relationships between the structural peculiarities of such 3D networks, as well as their properties and potential applications.

Dr. Teodora Staicu
Dr. Marin Micutz
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 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

  • hydrogels
  • organogels
  • gel characterization
  • gel properties
  • gel applications

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3440 KB  
Article
Influence of Vanadium-Titanium Slag Substitution on Properties and Microstructure of Blast Furnace Slag-Steel Slag-Desulfurization Gypsum Gel System
by Junyao Liu, Siqi Zhang, Huifen Yang, Wen Ni, Dongshang Guan, Xingyang Xu and Yu Zhan
Gels 2026, 12(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12010003 - 19 Dec 2025
Viewed by 258
Abstract
The comprehensive utilisation of solid waste is a primary approach to enhancing the utilisation efficiency of mineral resources. However, vanadium-titanium slag has long faced insufficient resource utilisation due to its low activity. To address this issue, this study integrated macro and micro analytical [...] Read more.
The comprehensive utilisation of solid waste is a primary approach to enhancing the utilisation efficiency of mineral resources. However, vanadium-titanium slag has long faced insufficient resource utilisation due to its low activity. To address this issue, this study integrated macro and micro analytical methods to systematically investigate the effect of mechanical grinding on the activity of vanadium-titanium slag, as well as its performance when partially replacing blast furnace slag in the system of slag—converter steel slag-desulfurization gypsum ternary gel system. Additionally, the hydration mechanism of this cementitious system was analysed. The research results indicate that mechanical grinding can significantly improve the activity index of vanadium-titanium slag and increase its specific surface area. Replacing an appropriate amount of slag with vanadium-titanium slag in the slag-steel slag-desulfurization gypsum ternary gel system can effectively enhance the mechanical properties of the cementitious system. The optimal mix proportion of vanadium-titanium slag:slag:steel slag:desulfurization gypsum as 10.5:31.5:42:16 with a water-to-binder ratio of 0.32, under which the 28-day compressive strength of the specimen reached 33.50 MPa. Through multiple microscopic analysis techniques, it was found that in the alkaline environment and sulfate excitation (provided by steel slag hydration and desulfurization gypsum), the cementitious system generates hydration products such as ettringite (AFt), C–S–H, and C–A–S–H gels. Some unreacted vanadium-titanium slag particles are wrapped and intertwined by hydrated calcium silicate (aluminium) gels, forming a stable dendritic structure that provides support for the system’s strength development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Gels: Structure, Properties, and Emerging Applications)
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21 pages, 6002 KB  
Article
Effect of Ultrasonic Treatment of Dispersed Carbon Nanocomposite Media on the Formation, Electrical Conductivity, and Degradation of a Hydrogel for Metallic Stimulation Electrodes
by Mikhail Savelyev, Artem Kuksin, Denis Murashko, Ekaterina Otsupko, Victoria Suchkova, Kristina Efremova, Pavel Vasilevsky, Ulyana Kurilova, Sergey Selishchev and Alexander Gerasimenko
Gels 2025, 11(12), 1004; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11121004 - 12 Dec 2025
Viewed by 305
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of ultrasonic treatment on the deagglomeration of aggregates of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The aim of the research is to enhance the electrical conductivity of a biopolymer hydrogel designed for coating metallic neurostimulation [...] Read more.
This study investigates the impact of ultrasonic treatment on the deagglomeration of aggregates of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The aim of the research is to enhance the electrical conductivity of a biopolymer hydrogel designed for coating metallic neurostimulation electrodes. Biocompatible coating materials are essential for the safe long-term function of implants within the body, enabling the transmission of nerve impulses to external devices for signal conversion and neurostimulation. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was employed to monitor the dispersion state, in conjunction with measurements of specific electrical conductivity. The mass loss and swelling capacity were evaluated over an 80-day period to account for the effects of degradation during in vitro studies. Samples of flexible–elastic hydrogels for electrodes with complex geometry were formed by the photopolymerization of a photopolymerizable medium, similar to a photoresist. Analysis of the dependence of temperature and normalized optical transmittance on the duration of laser photopolymerization made it possible to determine the optimal polymerization temperature for the photopolymerizable medium as −28 °C. This temperature regime ensures maximum reproducibility of hydrogel formation and eliminates the presence of unpolymerized areas. The article presents a biopolymer hydrogel with SWCNTs and rGO nanoparticles in a 1:1 ratio. It was found that sufficient specific electrical conductivity is achieved using SWCNTs with a characteristic hydrodynamic radius of R = 490 nm and rGO with R = 210 nm (sample Col/BSA/CS/Eosin Y/SWCNTs (490 nm)/rGO 4). The photopolymerized hydrogel 4 demonstrated sufficient biocompatibility, exceeding the control sample by 16%. According to the results of in vitro studies over 80 days, this sample exhibited moderate degradation of 45% while retaining its swelling ability. The swelling degree decreased by 50% compared to the initial value of 170%. The presented hydrogel 4 is a promising coating material for implantable metallic neurostimulation electrodes, enhancing their stability in the physiological environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Gels: Structure, Properties, and Emerging Applications)
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13 pages, 2867 KB  
Article
Microstructure and Photocatalytic Performance of BaTi5O11 Nanocrystals Synthesized via Sol-Gel Method Mediated by Organic Solvents
by Honghua Wang, Tianchen Gao, Xinyi Li, Yuci Huang, Junjie Wang, Zhixiong Huang and Dongyun Guo
Gels 2025, 11(9), 706; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11090706 - 3 Sep 2025
Viewed by 617
Abstract
BaTi5O11 nanocrystals were synthesized via a sol–gel method employing different organic solvents. The influence of solvent choice on microstructure and photocatalytic performance was investigated through methylene blue (MB) degradation under UV light irradiation. The monoclinic BaTi5O11 nanocrystals [...] Read more.
BaTi5O11 nanocrystals were synthesized via a sol–gel method employing different organic solvents. The influence of solvent choice on microstructure and photocatalytic performance was investigated through methylene blue (MB) degradation under UV light irradiation. The monoclinic BaTi5O11 nanocrystals were successfully synthesized, where solvent selection significantly affected their grain size and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area. The BaTi5O11 nanocrystals synthesized using polyethylene glycol-200 (PEG-200) exhibited the highest BET surface area (9.78 m2/g) and smallest average pore size (17.8 nm). The BaTi5O11 nanocrystals also displayed a larger optical bandgap (3.61 eV), attributed to pronounced quantum confinement and surface effects. Consequently, the PEG-200-derived BaTi5O11 photocatalyst achieved complete MB degradation within 30 min under UV light irradiation. This enhanced performance was attributed to the high BET surface area providing abundant active sites. Furthermore, the BaTi5O11 nanocrystal photocatalyst maintained excellent reusability and stability over four consecutive cycles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Gels: Structure, Properties, and Emerging Applications)
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24 pages, 4277 KB  
Article
The Behaviour of Contaflex Soft Contact Lens Material During Hydration
by Joseph Towler, Markus Zaplachinski, Roberto Montiel, Nikhil Murari, Christine Deng, Rimmo Lego, Arwa Fathy and Ahmed Abass
Gels 2025, 11(5), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11050376 - 21 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2628
Abstract
The aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the swelling and transparency behaviour of Contaflex soft contact lens materials with varying water-content (38–77%) using high-resolution digital imaging and infrared LiDAR. Contaflex materials with 38%, 55%, 58%, 67% and 77% nominal water-contents, denoted [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the swelling and transparency behaviour of Contaflex soft contact lens materials with varying water-content (38–77%) using high-resolution digital imaging and infrared LiDAR. Contaflex materials with 38%, 55%, 58%, 67% and 77% nominal water-contents, denoted as C38, C55, C58, C67, and C77, were tested. Hydrogel samples (N = 5 per group) were monitored over 24 h in pH 7.1 phosphate-buffered saline. Dimensional changes were assessed via linear and radial expansion factors (LEF and REF), and transparency was tracked during hydration. All groups exhibited rapid initial swelling followed by continued expansion. LEF and REF values increased with water-content; C77 reached LEF and REF values of 1.563 ± 0.093 and 1.536 ± 0.052, while C38 stabilised near 1.201 ± 0.019 and 1.179 ± 0.011, respectively. Refractive index decreased with hydration, from 1.552 in C38 to 1.372 in C77. Power simulations revealed deviations beyond ISO tolerance limits in most materials, particularly those with higher water-content. Transparency changes were consistent with swelling dynamics. These findings support the need for material-specific design adjustments to account for hydration-related dimensional and optical changes in soft contact lenses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Gels: Structure, Properties, and Emerging Applications)
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17 pages, 7093 KB  
Article
Hydration Mechanism of Solid Waste Gelling Materials Containing Semi-Dry Desulfurization Ash
by Yunyun Li, Siqi Zhang, Meixiang Huang, Guodong Yang, Jiajie Li, Mengqi Ma, Wentao Hu and Wen Ni
Gels 2025, 11(3), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11030193 - 11 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1249
Abstract
This study investigated the feasibility of using semi-dry desulfurization ash (DA) in combination with blast furnace slag (BFS) to prepare gelling materials, aiming to improve the resource utilization of DA. The effects of DA dosage and mechanical grinding on the compressive strength and [...] Read more.
This study investigated the feasibility of using semi-dry desulfurization ash (DA) in combination with blast furnace slag (BFS) to prepare gelling materials, aiming to improve the resource utilization of DA. The effects of DA dosage and mechanical grinding on the compressive strength and hydration mechanism of BFS-DA gelling materials were investigated. The results showed that the optimum BFS-DA ratio was 60:40, and the compressive strengths were 14.21 MPa, 20.24 MPa, 43.50 MPa, and 46.27 MPa at 3, 7, 28, and 56 days, respectively. Mechanical grinding greatly improved the activity of the gel materials, with the greatest increase in compressive strength at 3, 7, 28, and 90 days for the BFS and DA mixed milled for 30 min, with increases of 89.86%, 66.36%, 24.56%, and 25.68%, respectively, and compressive strength of 26.22 MPa, 35.6 MPa, 58.33 MPa, and 63.97 MPa, respectively. The cumulative heat of hydration of BFS-DA slurry was about 120 J/g. The hydration mechanism showed that the main hydration products formed were ettringite, C-S-H gel, AFm, and Friedel’s salt. Calcium sulfite in DA was participated in the hydration, and a new hydration product, Ca4Al2O6SO3·11H2O, was formed. DA can be effectively used to prepare BFS-based gelling materials, and its performance meets the requirements of GB/T 28294-2024 standard, which provides a potential solution for the utilization of DA resources and the reduction in the impact on the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Gels: Structure, Properties, and Emerging Applications)
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Review

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31 pages, 3530 KB  
Review
In Situ Forming Poloxamer-Based Thermo-Sensitive Hydrogels for Ocular Application: A Focus on the Derivatives 407 and 188
by Emanuela Longo, Elena Giuliano, Agnese Gagliardi, Valeria Gaetano, Marialaura Frisina, Mario Verdiglione and Donato Cosco
Gels 2025, 11(9), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11090752 - 17 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2792
Abstract
In ophthalmology, developing effective drug delivery systems is crucial to overcome anatomical and physiological barriers, such as rapid tear turnover and blinking, which limit the efficacy of conventional formulations like eye drops. Poloxamers, especially the derivatives 407 (P407) and 188, are amphiphilic triblock [...] Read more.
In ophthalmology, developing effective drug delivery systems is crucial to overcome anatomical and physiological barriers, such as rapid tear turnover and blinking, which limit the efficacy of conventional formulations like eye drops. Poloxamers, especially the derivatives 407 (P407) and 188, are amphiphilic triblock copolymers characterized by an intriguing thermo-reversible behavior, making them ideal candidates for the development of in situ hydrogels for ocular applications. Various thermo-sensitive poloxamer-based hydrogels were designed to be easily instilled as liquids at room temperature, gelling promptly upon contact with the corneal surface. These systems promoted a controlled release of active compounds, significantly improving their adhesion to the ocular surface. This review discusses the most relevant scientific literature on the topic, with particular attention to studies published in recent years. The results demonstrated that poloxamer formulations are capable of overcoming typical ocular barriers, thereby increasing drug bioavailability. The intrinsic biocompatibility of poloxamers contributes to the safety and tolerability of the system. Furthermore, P407 showed additional wound healing features. The combination of biocompatibility and thermo-reversible behavior makes poloxamer-based hydrogels a promising platform for the development of innovative ocular drug delivery systems able to enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient comfort. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Gels: Structure, Properties, and Emerging Applications)
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