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Recent Advances in Biopolymer Gels (2nd Edition)
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Recent Advances in Biopolymer Gels (2nd Edition)

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 5378

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Luis Morales-Quintana

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Multidisciplinary Agroindustry Research Laboratory, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 3467987, Chile
Interests: controlled release; drug-delivery; hydrogels; molecular dynamics simulations; nanoencapsulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Milton Vázquez-Lepe

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Project Engineering, University Center for Exact Sciences and Engineering, Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco 44430, Mexico
Interests: XPS chemical analysis; nanostructures; polymers composites; mechanical properties; metal ions adsorption

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is focused on the utilization of natural biopolymer gels such as chitosan, alginate, BHA, and cellulose. These gels are known for their low cost, biodegradability as environmentally friendly resources, and wide availability. Due to their remarkable affinity for contaminant compounds like heavy metal ions, toxins, organic solvents, and organic molecules, biopolymer gels are gaining increasing attention as renewable alternative feedstocks in the production of biopolymers as a possible solution to several environmental challenges. Additionally, this Special Issue will explore the diverse applications of biopolymer gels in the food industry. Macro- and nanoscale food-grade materials are commonly used to enhance food products. These materials serve various purposes, including for antimicrobial food packaging and the targeted delivery of biomolecules, enzymes, and probiotics. They are versatile in their ability to modify food matrix structures and functional properties, playing roles as carriers and acting in target/multistage delivery, foam formation, biomolecule conjugation, gelling systems, and colloidal formation.

Dr. Luis Morales-Quintana
Dr. Milton Vázquez-Lepe
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

  • synthesis and characterization of biodegradable biopolymers
  • approaches for biodegradable biopolymers (wastewater treatment)
  • biodegradable biopolymeric material with properties of detoxification, bioremediation, or bio-absorption
  • biopolymer gels in the food industry
  • biopolymer gels for controlled release

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

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 4155 KiB  
Article
Performance Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of a Composite Hydrogel Composed of Oxidized κ-Carrageenan, Acrylamide, and Silver-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks
by Bo Qi, Zhaoyu Li, Chuang Pan, Yongqiang Zhao, Xiaoshan Long, Chunsheng Li, Yueqi Wang, Xiao Hu, Di Wang and Shaoling Yang
Gels 2025, 11(6), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11060407 - 29 May 2025
Viewed by 385
Abstract
To advance seaweed polysaccharide applications in hydrogel wound dressings, five antibacterial composite hydrogels (groups A~E) were synthesized using oxidized κ-carrageenan (OKC), acrylamide (AM), and progressively increasing concentrations of silver-based metal–organic frameworks (Ag-MOFs). Systematic characterization revealed concentration-dependent effects: (1) positive correlations were obtained for [...] Read more.
To advance seaweed polysaccharide applications in hydrogel wound dressings, five antibacterial composite hydrogels (groups A~E) were synthesized using oxidized κ-carrageenan (OKC), acrylamide (AM), and progressively increasing concentrations of silver-based metal–organic frameworks (Ag-MOFs). Systematic characterization revealed concentration-dependent effects: (1) positive correlations were obtained for the moisture content (MC, maximized at 82.70% in E) and antibacterial efficacy (dose-dependent enhancement); (2) negative impacts were obtained for the swelling ratio (SR, E: 479% vs. A: 808%); and (3) high-dose drawbacks but low-dose benefits in terms of water resistance (WR), tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), and microstructure were obtained. Group B demonstrated optimal Ag-MOFs loading, enhancing TS and EB, while excessive Ag-MOFs loading in C~E significantly degraded them (p < 0.05). Microstructural analysis showed severe 3D spatial damage in D~E. Furthermore, cytocompatibility assessments revealed that all groups maintained a cell viability exceeding 90%, demonstrating excellent biocompatibility. Among them, A~C showed a viability statistically equivalent to the control (p > 0.05) and were significantly higher than D~E (p < 0.05). In conclusion, group B emerged as the optimal Ag-MOFs formulation and exhibited superior WR, enhanced mechanical strength (TS and EB), and potent antibacterial activity while maintaining microstructural integrity and excellent biosafety. This Ag-MOFs/OKC/PAM hydrogel provides dual infection prevention and tissue support, maximizing seaweed polysaccharide benefits with excellent biocompatibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biopolymer Gels (2nd Edition))
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Review

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57 pages, 11752 KiB  
Review
Cellulose-Based Hybrid Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering Applications: A Sustainable Approach
by Elizabeth Vázquez-Rivas, Luis Alberto Desales-Guzmán, Juan Horacio Pacheco-Sánchez and Sofia Guillermina Burillo-Amezcua
Gels 2025, 11(6), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11060438 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 3195
Abstract
Cellulose is a sustainable biopolymer, being renewable and abundant, non-toxic, biodegradable, and easily functionalizable. However, the development of hydrogels for tissue engineering applications presents significant challenges that require interdisciplinary expertise, given the intricate and dynamic nature of the human body. This paper delves [...] Read more.
Cellulose is a sustainable biopolymer, being renewable and abundant, non-toxic, biodegradable, and easily functionalizable. However, the development of hydrogels for tissue engineering applications presents significant challenges that require interdisciplinary expertise, given the intricate and dynamic nature of the human body. This paper delves into current research focused on creating advanced cellulose-based hydrogels with tailored mechanical, biological, chemical, and surface properties. These hydrogels show promise in healing, regenerating, and even replacing human tissues and organs. The synthesis of these hydrogels employs a range of innovative techniques, including supramolecular chemistry, click chemistry, enzyme-induced crosslinking, ultrasound, photo radiation, high-energy ionizing radiation, 3D printing, and other emerging methods. In the realm of tissue engineering, various types of hydrogels are explored, such as stimuli-responsive, hybrid, injectable, bio-printed, electrospun, self-assembling, self-healing, drug-releasing, biodegradable, and interpenetrating network hydrogels. Moreover, these materials can be further enhanced by incorporating cell growth factors, biological molecules, or by loading them with cells or drugs. Looking ahead, future research aims to engineer and tailor hydrogels to meet specific needs. This includes exploring safer and more sustainable materials and synthesis techniques, identifying less invasive application methods, and translating these studies into practical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biopolymer Gels (2nd Edition))
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24 pages, 1247 KiB  
Review
Multiplexing 3D Natural Scaffolds to Optimize the Repair and Regeneration of Chronic Diabetic Wounds
by Cezara-Anca-Denisa Moldovan, Alex-Adrian Salagean and Mark Slevin
Gels 2025, 11(6), 430; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11060430 - 3 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 734 | Correction
Abstract
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) represent a major complication of diabetes mellitus, affecting millions of patients worldwide and leading to high morbidity and amputation risks. The impaired healing process in DFU is driven by vascular insufficiency, neuropathy, chronic inflammation, and infections. Conventional treatments, including [...] Read more.
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) represent a major complication of diabetes mellitus, affecting millions of patients worldwide and leading to high morbidity and amputation risks. The impaired healing process in DFU is driven by vascular insufficiency, neuropathy, chronic inflammation, and infections. Conventional treatments, including blood sugar control, wound debridement, and standard dressings, have shown limited efficacy in achieving complete healing. Recent advancements have introduced novel therapeutic approaches such as stem cell therapy, exosome-based treatments, and bioengineered scaffolds to accelerate wound healing and tissue regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), particularly adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), exhibit anti-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic, and immunomodulatory properties, enhancing wound repair. Additionally, exosomes derived from ASCs have demonstrated the ability to promote fibroblast proliferation, regulate inflammation, and stimulate angiogenesis. The integration of bioengineered scaffolds, including hydrogels, hyaluronic acid (HA), or micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT), offers improved drug delivery mechanisms and a controlled healing environment. These scaffolds have been successfully utilized to deliver stem cells, growth factors, antioxidants, anti-glycation end products, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic drugs, or antimicrobial agents, further improving DFU outcomes. This review highlights the potential of combining novel 3D scaffolds with anti-diabetic drugs to enhance DFU treatment, reduce amputation rates, and improve patients’ quality of life. While promising, further clinical research is required to validate these emerging therapies and optimize their clinical application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biopolymer Gels (2nd Edition))
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Other

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1 pages, 216 KiB  
Correction
Correction: Moldovan et al. Multiplexing 3D Natural Scaffolds to Optimize the Repair and Regeneration of Chronic Diabetic Wounds. Gels 2025, 11, 430
by Cezara-Anca-Denisa Moldovan, Alex-Adrian Salagean and Mark Slevin
Gels 2025, 11(7), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11070549 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 132
Abstract
In the original publication [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biopolymer Gels (2nd Edition))
19 pages, 1211 KiB  
Systematic Review
Biopolymers in Facial Aesthetics: Gel-Based Applications, Safety, Effectiveness, and Future Prospects—A Systematic Review of the Literature
by Gonzalo Ruiz-de-León, Daniela Cortés-Eslava, Esther Hernández-Pacheco, María-Ángeles Serrera-Figallo, Daniel Torres-Lagares and María Baus-Domínguez
Gels 2025, 11(6), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11060455 - 13 Jun 2025
Viewed by 506
Abstract
Biopolymer-based dermal fillers have gained attention in facial aesthetics due to their biocompatibility, gel-forming properties, and capacity to stimulate tissue regeneration. However, evidence regarding their clinical performance remains scattered and inconsistent. This systematic review evaluates the current scientific literature on the effectiveness and [...] Read more.
Biopolymer-based dermal fillers have gained attention in facial aesthetics due to their biocompatibility, gel-forming properties, and capacity to stimulate tissue regeneration. However, evidence regarding their clinical performance remains scattered and inconsistent. This systematic review evaluates the current scientific literature on the effectiveness and safety of injectable biopolymers used in facial aesthetic procedures. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases for studies published between 2016 and 2024. Only human studies in English assessing clinical efficacy, safety, adverse events, and patient satisfaction were included. Of the 280 articles initially identified, 9 met the inclusion criteria. The selected studies showed improvements in facial volume and wrinkle reduction with gel-based biopolymers such as poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Most studies reported high patient satisfaction and a low incidence of serious adverse effects. However, methodological heterogeneity and limited long-term data reduced the strength of the evidence. While injectable biopolymers appear to be effective and generally safe, current evidence is limited and variable. Further multicenter randomized trials with standardized protocols and longer follow-up periods are needed. Clinicians should apply these materials with caution, ensuring individualized treatment planning and careful risk assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biopolymer Gels (2nd Edition))
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