Recent Development and Theoretical View of Physical Gels

Dear Colleagues,

Physical gels, composed of a three-dimensional network of polymer chains or low molecular weight gelators, have gained significant attention in recent years due to their unique properties and diverse applications. Recent developments in physical gels have focused on enhancing their mechanical strength, resilience, and responsiveness to external stimuli, such as temperature and pH changes. Advances in materials science and nanotechnology have enabled the design of hybrid gels that combine the benefits of different components, leading to improved performance in various applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, and food technology.

Theoretical perspectives on physical gels have also evolved, with researchers applying concepts from thermodynamics and statistical mechanics to better understand these materials' behavior. The interplay between entropic and energetic factors in gel formation, as well as the dynamics of network restructuring under deformation, is an important area of study. The self-assembly mechanisms that govern the formation of physical gels are being explored through advanced computational models, providing insights into their design and functionality.

Overall, the ongoing research in both practical applications and theoretical frameworks is paving the way for the next generation of physical gels, promising innovations across multiple scientific disciplines. As our understanding deepens, the potential for these versatile materials to impact technology and medicine continues to expand. We are thrilled to invite you, as renowned experts in the field, to contribute to this Special Issue and the development of scientific study.

Prof. Dr. Di Jia
Prof. Dr. Pablo H. Di Chenna
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.

• physical gels
• mechanical strength
• resilience
• responsiveness
• drug delivery
• tissue engineering
• food technology