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Gels
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Designing Hydrogels for Sustained Delivery of Therapeutic Agents
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Designing Hydrogels for Sustained Delivery of Therapeutic Agents

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 14520

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jiajia Xiang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
Interests: functional polymers; biomedical materials; hydrogels; active penetrating carrier; targeted drug delivery

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent years have witnessed a significant leap in the development of advanced drug delivery systems, revolutionizing therapeutic interventions. Hydrogels, in particular, have emerged as versatile platforms offering unique properties ideal for the sustained and controlled release of therapeutic agents. This Special Issue aims to spotlight the latest breakthroughs in hydrogel design for therapeutic agent delivery, underscoring their potential impact on healthcare, including disease therapy, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.

We welcome contributions of cutting-edge research articles, reviews, and perspectives covering a wide range of topics related to hydrogel-based drug delivery systems. This Special Issue provides a collaborative platform for researchers and practitioners to exchange ideas, fostering progress in the field of hydrogel-based drug delivery.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Smart hydrogel formulations;
  • Nanogels and nanocomposite hydrogels;
  • Physicochemical properties of hydrogels;
  • Biomedical applications of hydrogels;
  • Regulatory and commercial perspectives.

Dr. Jiajia Xiang
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

  • hydrogel
  • nanogel
  • drug delivery
  • gene delivery
  • cancer therapy
  • tissue engineering
  • controlled release
  • regenerative medicine

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

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 4738 KB  
Article
Eco-Friendly Microwave Synthesis of Sodium Alginate-Chitosan Hydrogels for Effective Curcumin Delivery and Controlled Release
by Ivan Ristić, Ljubiša Nikolić, Suzana Cakić, Vesna Nikolić, Jelena Tanasić, Jelena Zvezdanović and Marija Krstić
Gels 2024, 10(10), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10100637 - 2 Oct 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3133
Abstract
In this study, we developed sodium alginate-chitosan hydrogels using a microwave-assisted synthesis method, aligning with green chemistry principles for enhanced sustainability. This eco-friendly approach minimizes chemical use and waste while boosting efficiency. A curcumin:2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complex was incorporated into the hydrogels, significantly increasing the [...] Read more.
In this study, we developed sodium alginate-chitosan hydrogels using a microwave-assisted synthesis method, aligning with green chemistry principles for enhanced sustainability. This eco-friendly approach minimizes chemical use and waste while boosting efficiency. A curcumin:2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complex was incorporated into the hydrogels, significantly increasing the solubility and bioavailability of curcumin. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the structure and successful incorporation of curcumin, in both its pure and complexed forms, into the polymer matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed distinct thermal transitions influenced by the hydrogel composition and physical cross-linking. Hydrogels with higher alginate content had higher swelling ratios (338%), while those with more chitosan showed the lowest swelling ratios (254%). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed a porous structure as well as successful incorporation of curcumin or its complex. Curcumin release studies indicated varying releasing rates between its pure and complexed forms. The chitosan-dominant hydrogel exhibited the slowest release rate of pure curcumin, while the alginate-dominant hydrogel exhibited the fastest. Conversely, for curcumin from the inclusion complex, a higher chitosan proportion led to the fastest release rate, while a higher alginate proportion resulted in the slowest. This study demonstrates that the form of curcumin incorporation and gel matrix composition critically influence the release profile. Our findings offer valuable insights for designing effective curcumin delivery systems, representing a significant advancement in biodegradable and sustainable drug delivery technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Hydrogels for Sustained Delivery of Therapeutic Agents)
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11 pages, 2014 KB  
Article
Applying Different Conditions in the OphthalMimic Device Using Polymeric and Hydrogel-Based Hybrid Membranes to Evaluate Gels and Nanostructured Ophthalmic Formulations
by Jonad L. A. Contarato, Geisa N. Barbalho, Marcilio Cunha-Filho, Guilherme M. Gelfuso and Tais Gratieri
Gels 2024, 10(8), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10080538 - 20 Aug 2024
Viewed by 3955
Abstract
The OphthalMimic is a 3D-printed device that simulates human ocular conditions with artificial lacrimal flow, cul-de-sac area, moving eyelid, and a surface to interact with ophthalmic formulations. All tests with such a device have used a continuous artificial tear flow rate of 1 [...] Read more.
The OphthalMimic is a 3D-printed device that simulates human ocular conditions with artificial lacrimal flow, cul-de-sac area, moving eyelid, and a surface to interact with ophthalmic formulations. All tests with such a device have used a continuous artificial tear flow rate of 1 mL/min for 5 min. Here, we implemented protocol variations regarding the application time and simulated tear flow to increase the test’s discrimination and achieve reliable performance results. The new protocols incorporated the previously evaluated 0.2% fluconazole formulations containing or not chitosan as a mucoadhesive component (PLX16CS10 and PLX16, respectively) and novel moxifloxacin 5% formulations, either in a conventional formulation and a microemulsion (CONTROL and NEMOX, respectively). The flow rate was reduced by 50%, and a pre-flow application period was also included to allow formulation interaction with the membrane. The OphthalMimic model was used with both polymeric and hydrogel-based hybrid membranes, including a simulated eyelid. Lowering the flow made it feasible to prolong the testing duration, enhancing device discrimination potential. The hydrogel membrane was adequate for testing nanostructure formulations. The OphthalMimic device demonstrated once again to be a versatile method for evaluating the performance of ophthalmic drug formulations with the potential of reducing the use of animals for experimentation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Hydrogels for Sustained Delivery of Therapeutic Agents)
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25 pages, 7588 KB  
Article
A Meta-Analytical Way of Systematizing the Use of Hyaluronan Gels for the Relief of Osteoarthritis, Compared with New Treatment Alternatives
by Tudor Pinteala, Stelian Sergiu Maier, Norin Forna, Liliana Savin, Mihnea Theodor Sirbu, Dragos Cristian Popescu, Viorel Dan Cionca, Dan Constantin Putineanu and Paul Dan Sirbu
Gels 2024, 10(7), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10070481 - 20 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1174
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid, in the form of a gel or viscoelastic colloidal solution, is currently used for the viscosupplementation of joints affected by osteoarthritis, but its effectiveness is under debate in relation to newer alternatives. Based on meta-analytical arguments, the present article reinforces the [...] Read more.
Hyaluronic acid, in the form of a gel or viscoelastic colloidal solution, is currently used for the viscosupplementation of joints affected by osteoarthritis, but its effectiveness is under debate in relation to newer alternatives. Based on meta-analytical arguments, the present article reinforces the opinion that there are still no decisive arguments for its complete replacement but for its use adapted to the peculiarities of the disease manifestation and of the patients. A “broad” comparison is first made with almost all alternatives studied in the last decade, and then a meta-regression study is performed to compare and predict the effect size induced by viscosupplementation therapy and its main challenger of clinical interest, the platelet-rich plasma treatment. If they are computerized, the developed models can represent tools for clinicians in determining the appropriateness of the option or not for viscosupplementation in a manner adapted to the pain felt by the patients, to their age, or to other clinical circumstances. The models were generated using algorithms implemented in the R language and assembled in different R packages. All primary data and necessary R scripts are provided in accordance with the philosophy of reproducible research. Finally, we adhere in a documented way to the opinion that HA-based products, currently under circumspection, are still clinically useful. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Hydrogels for Sustained Delivery of Therapeutic Agents)
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Review

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25 pages, 3181 KB  
Review
Smart Nanocomposite Hydrogels as Next-Generation Therapeutic and Diagnostic Solutions
by Anna Valentino, Sorur Yazdanpanah, Raffaele Conte, Anna Calarco and Gianfranco Peluso
Gels 2024, 10(11), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10110689 - 24 Oct 2024
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2083
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive nanocomposite gels combine the unique properties of hydrogels with those of nanoparticles, thus avoiding the suboptimal results of single components and creating versatile, multi-functional platforms for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. These hybrid materials are engineered to respond to various internal and external [...] Read more.
Stimuli-responsive nanocomposite gels combine the unique properties of hydrogels with those of nanoparticles, thus avoiding the suboptimal results of single components and creating versatile, multi-functional platforms for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. These hybrid materials are engineered to respond to various internal and external stimuli, such as temperature, pH, light, magnetic fields, and enzymatic activity, allowing precise control over drug release, tissue regeneration, and biosensing. Their responsiveness to environmental cues permits personalized medicine approaches, providing dynamic control over therapeutic interventions and real-time diagnostic capabilities. This review explores recent advances in stimuli-responsive hybrid gels’ synthesis and application, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, and diagnostics. Overall, these platforms have significant clinical potential, and future research is expected to lead to unique solutions to address unmet medical needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Hydrogels for Sustained Delivery of Therapeutic Agents)
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14 pages, 2374 KB  
Review
Micelle-Containing Hydrogels and Their Applications in Biomedical Research
by Jinghua Wu, Huapeng Li, Nan Zhang and Qingfei Zheng
Gels 2024, 10(7), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10070471 - 17 Jul 2024
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3336
Abstract
Hydrogels are one of the most commonly used materials in our daily lives, which possess crosslinked three-dimensional network structures and are capable of absorbing large amounts of fluid. Due to their outstanding properties, such as flexibility, tunability, and biocompatibility, hydrogels have been widely [...] Read more.
Hydrogels are one of the most commonly used materials in our daily lives, which possess crosslinked three-dimensional network structures and are capable of absorbing large amounts of fluid. Due to their outstanding properties, such as flexibility, tunability, and biocompatibility, hydrogels have been widely employed in biomedical research and clinics, especially in on-demand drug release. However, traditional hydrogels face various limitations, e.g., the delivery of hydrophobic drugs due to their highly hydrophilic interior environment. Therefore, micelle-containing hydrogels have been designed and developed, which possess both hydrophilic and hydrophobic microenvironments and enable the storage of diverse cargos. Based on the functionalities of micelles, these hydrogels can be classified into micelle-doped and chemically/physically crosslinked types, which were reported to be responsive to varied stimuli, including temperature, pH, irradiation, electrical signal, magnetic field, etc. Here, we summarize the research advances of micelle-containing hydrogels and provide perspectives on their applications in the biomedical field based on the recent studies from our own lab and others. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing Hydrogels for Sustained Delivery of Therapeutic Agents)
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