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Gels
Special Issues
Biobased Gels for Drugs and Cells
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Biobased Gels for Drugs and Cells

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2025) | Viewed by 6350

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Resmi Anand

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Guest Editor
Nanotechnologies Unit, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, Esch Sur Alzette L-4362, Luxembourg
Interests: biomaterials; hydrogels; nanoparticles; microparticles; drug delivery; growth factor delivery; tissue engineering; bioprinting; antimicrobial coatings
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. David Duday

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Guest Editor
Nanotechnologies Unit, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, Esch Sur Alzette L-4362, Luxembourg
Interests: biomaterials; sustainable materials; antimicrobial coatings; delivery systems; hydrogels; nanoparticles; microparticles; formulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biobased gels are materials made from renewable biological resources, including plants, microbes, and organic debris. These gels are distinguished by their capacity to absorb water and swell, resulting in a hydrophilic network that may encapsulate a variety of molecules. Biobased gels have gained popularity due to their sustainability and prospective uses in a variety of sectors, including biomedicine. They offer significant advantages, including their ease of availability, biodegradability, low toxicity, and enhanced sustainability. Furthermore, these gels create an ideal environment for cell growth, making them particularly suitable for biomedical applications.

This Special Issue of Gels invites contributions exploring the synthesis, chemical modification, and characterization of biobased gels; cell–biobased hydrogel interactions; and various applications of biobased gels, particularly their potential in drug delivery and cell-related applications. We invite researchers to submit original research articles, perspectives, case studies, reviews, and critical reviews that highlight the use of biobased gels in drug delivery and cell-based therapies.

Dr. Resmi Anand
Dr. David Duday
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

  • biobased gel
  • drug delivery
  • cell encapsulation
  • biomaterials
  • cell–biomaterial interactions
  • chitosan
  • gelatin
  • alginate
  • lignin
  • cellulose

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 7506 KB  
Article
Non-Enzymatic Cell Expansion and Harvesting Using a Smart Thermo-Responsive Gel
by Zhiyu Yan, Nuno Honrado, Naiwen Tan, Md Anirban Jyoti and Linh Nguyen
Gels 2025, 11(12), 962; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11120962 - 28 Nov 2025
Viewed by 202
Abstract
Advanced cell-based therapies, including immunotherapy, regenerative medicine, and other biotechnological applications, require large quantities of viable mammalian cells for research and clinical use. Conventional enzymatic harvesting methods, such as trypsini-zation, can compromise cell integrity and reduce viability. This study investigates an al-ternative temperature-responsive [...] Read more.
Advanced cell-based therapies, including immunotherapy, regenerative medicine, and other biotechnological applications, require large quantities of viable mammalian cells for research and clinical use. Conventional enzymatic harvesting methods, such as trypsini-zation, can compromise cell integrity and reduce viability. This study investigates an al-ternative temperature-responsive approach using alginate beads incorporated with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), a polymer exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of approximately 32 °C. This system enables temperature-controlled cell detachment while preserving cellular structure and extracellular matrix components, thereby potentially improving post-harvest viability compared to trypsin treatment. Ho-mogeneous alginate hydrogel beads were synthesized using a standard infusion pump and ionically crosslinked with calcium cations. The beads were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology and by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) for compositional and thermal analysis. Mouse fibroblast cells (L929 cell line) were cultured on the beads, and their proliferation and viability were assessed using CCK-8 and Live/Dead assays, demonstrating significant cell growth over seven days. The results suggest that PNIPAAm-modified alginate beads provide a promising, enzyme-free platform for efficient mammalian cell harvesting and delivery, with potential applications across advanced cell manufacturing and therapeutic technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biobased Gels for Drugs and Cells)
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20 pages, 7037 KB  
Article
Silica- and Titanium-poly(ethylene glycol) Hydrogels—Novel Matrices for Bacterial Cell Immobilization
by Ekaterina Filippova, Anton Zvonarev, Vasily Terentyev, Vasilina Farofonova, Valeriya Frolova, Tat’yana Khonina, Sergey Alferov and Daria Lavrova
Gels 2025, 11(11), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11110934 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 338
Abstract
For the first time, hydrogels based on silica- and titanium-poly(ethylene glycol) have been used for immobilization of Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli MG1655) and Gram-positive bacteria (Rhodococcus qingshengii X5) in a one-step sol–gel synthesis. Vibrational spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis have [...] Read more.
For the first time, hydrogels based on silica- and titanium-poly(ethylene glycol) have been used for immobilization of Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli MG1655) and Gram-positive bacteria (Rhodococcus qingshengii X5) in a one-step sol–gel synthesis. Vibrational spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis have confirmed the formation of amorphous hybrid structures with a predominance of organic components and metal-oxide grids. Encapsulation efficiencies were 72–77% for Si-PEG-based hydrogel and 50–54% for Ti-PEG. Antimicrobial activity tests revealed that Si-PEG was non-toxic, while Ti-PEG reduced cell viability by 50%. For the first time, an analysis of the morphological properties of immobilized bacterial cells revealed the formation of a thin Si-PEG-based hydrogel shell around each cell and a thick polymer layer on the bacterial surface when encapsulated within Ti-PEG-based hydrogels. The catalytic activity of the biocatalysts, as measured by the ATP content, remained at 84–93% for Si-PEG-based hydrogel, and decreased to 5% for Ti-PEG-based hydrogel. Biocatalysts based on encapsulated bacteria in a Si-PEG-based hydrogel demonstrate high sensitivity and stability. Si-PEG-based hydrogel exhibits high biocompatibility, making it suitable for the effective encapsulation of various bacterial types with a “cell-in-shell” structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biobased Gels for Drugs and Cells)
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15 pages, 2689 KB  
Article
Update on the Research of an Emulgel for the Effective Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis: Clinical Investigation in Children
by Almudena Gómez-Farto, Ana Leticia Jiménez-Escobar, Noelia Pérez-González, Amy Lozano-White, Jésica Expósito-Herrera, Trinidad Montero-Vílchez, Beatriz Clares and Salvador Arias-Santiago
Gels 2025, 11(11), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11110880 - 2 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1170
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects up to 25% of children and impairs both skin barrier function and quality of life. This study examined the effectiveness of an emulgel containing hyaluronic acid, glycerol, grape seed oil, Calendula officinalis [...] Read more.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects up to 25% of children and impairs both skin barrier function and quality of life. This study examined the effectiveness of an emulgel containing hyaluronic acid, glycerol, grape seed oil, Calendula officinalis, aloe vera and sh-oligopeptide-1 (a synthetic Epidermal Growth Factor) for treating paediatric AD. In a randomised, self-controlled trial, 57 children (aged 2–14) applied the emulgel twice daily for 10 days to one forearm and left the other forearm as a control. Skin barrier parameters such as transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), erythema and pH were measured. After applying the emulgel, lesional skin showed reduced erythema (p = 0.007), lower TEWL (p = 0.002) and higher SCH (p < 0.001). Non-lesional skin showed improved SCH (p < 0.001). SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores indicated milder disease post-treatment (mild cases: 64.9% to 80.7% SCORAD; 82.5% to 93.0%EASI). The Dermatology Life Quality Index improved by ~3.5 points, and patients reported high satisfaction with no adverse effects. This emulgel is an effective and well-tolerated adjunctive therapy for paediatric AD, enhancing barrier function and clinical outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biobased Gels for Drugs and Cells)
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32 pages, 8017 KB  
Article
Tumor Organoids Grown in Mixed-Composition Hydrogels Recapitulate the Plasticity of Pancreatic Cancers
by Ioritz Sorzabal-Bellido, Xabier Morales, Iván Cortés-Domínguez, Maider Esparza, Lucía Grande, Pedro Castillo, Silvia Larumbe, María Monteserín, Shruthi Narayanan, Mariano Ponz-Sarvise, Silve Vicent and Carlos Ortiz-de-Solórzano
Gels 2025, 11(7), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11070562 - 21 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1856
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors exhibit pronounced phenotypic plasticity, alternating between a treatment-sensitive classical phenotype and a more aggressive basal-like state associated with drug resistance and poor prognosis. The frequent coexistence of these phenotypes complicates patient stratification and the selection of effective therapies. [...] Read more.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors exhibit pronounced phenotypic plasticity, alternating between a treatment-sensitive classical phenotype and a more aggressive basal-like state associated with drug resistance and poor prognosis. The frequent coexistence of these phenotypes complicates patient stratification and the selection of effective therapies. Tumor-derived organoids are valuable tools for drug screening; however, their clinical relevance relies on how accurately they recapitulate the phenotypic and functional characteristics of the original tumors. In this study, we present a quantitative analysis of how hydrogel composition influences the phenotype, tissue remodeling, metabolism, and drug resistance of PDAC organoids. Organoids were cultured within three types of hydrogels: Matrigel, collagen-I, and a mixture of collagen-I and Matrigel. Our results demonstrate that: (i) PDAC organoids grown in Matrigel exhibit a classical phenotype, with metabolic and drug response profiles similar to those of low-physiological two-dimensional cultures; (ii) Organoids grown in collagen-containing hydrogels, particularly those in collagen-Matrigel composites, faithfully recapitulate basal-like tumors, characterized by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, tissue remodeling, metabolic activity, and drug resistance; (iii) TGFβ induces an exacerbated, highly invasive basal-like phenotype. Summarizing, our findings highlight the importance of 3D hydrogel composition in modulating PDAC organoid phenotype and behavior and suggest collagen-Matrigel hydrogels as the most suitable matrix for modeling PDAC biology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biobased Gels for Drugs and Cells)
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22 pages, 13023 KB  
Article
Liposomes-in-Gel as the Docetaxel Delivery for the Effective Treatment of Psoriasis by Inhibiting the Proliferation of Blood Vessels
by Ruoyang Jia, Yinyin Liu, Yifang Wu, Si Shen, Keang Cao, Xue Chen, Yang Wu, Wang Shen, Lu Wang, Bin Sun, Yongli Zhang and Hongmei Xia
Gels 2025, 11(4), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11040228 - 22 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1178
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease caused by the interaction of multiple factors that leads to the abnormal growth of stratum corneum cells and has been called an immortal cancer. Docetaxel has been trialed for the treatment of psoriasis due to its superior [...] Read more.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease caused by the interaction of multiple factors that leads to the abnormal growth of stratum corneum cells and has been called an immortal cancer. Docetaxel has been trialed for the treatment of psoriasis due to its superior ability to induce apoptosis, but its insolubility and low bioavailability have hampered its development. Here, docetaxel (DTX)-loaded liposomes-in-gel (DTX-LP-G) as the transdermal delivery was investigated to the treatment of psoriasis via modulating the IL6-HIF-1α-VEGF axis. The results demonstrated that DTX-LP-G cumulatively released a much higher amount of drug into the skin than that from DTX-loaded liposomes (DTX-LPs) and DTX-loaded gel (DTX-G). DTX-LP-G was also the most efficient in scavenging hydrogen peroxide free radicals in vitro. In a mouse model of psoriasis, DTX-LP-G acted as a preliminary therapeutic agent for psoriasis in terms of apparent evaluation, splenomegaly, suppression of MDA content in skin tissue, and down-regulated the expression of IL6, HIF-1α, and VEGF to control the proliferation of vessels, except for a less pronounced effect on the stratum corneum. In addition, enrichment analysis can speculate that DTX also treated psoriasis by resisting the production of keratin-forming cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biobased Gels for Drugs and Cells)
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Review

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14 pages, 1738 KB  
Review
Rational Design of Self-Healing Hydrogel with High Mechanical Strength and Self-Healing Efficiency: A Short Review
by Xiaogang Yu, Jinxin Huang, Fang Yang and Jinbo Li
Gels 2025, 11(10), 807; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11100807 - 8 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1076
Abstract
Self-healing hydrogels, a novel class of “smart” hydrogels, possess the ability to autonomously restore their network structure and mechanical properties following damage through the reconnection of a fractured three-dimensional network via reversible interactions. This characteristic enhances their safety and durability, exhibiting significant potential [...] Read more.
Self-healing hydrogels, a novel class of “smart” hydrogels, possess the ability to autonomously restore their network structure and mechanical properties following damage through the reconnection of a fractured three-dimensional network via reversible interactions. This characteristic enhances their safety and durability, exhibiting significant potential in biomedicine. The key determinants of self-healing hydrogels are their mechanical strength and healing efficiency. Ideally, these hydrogels exhibit both high mechanical strength and good healing efficiency. Nevertheless, an inverse relationship between the mechanical strength and self-healing efficiency of self-healing hydrogels typically exists. Thus, research is currently focused on the development of self-healing hydrogels that combine good biocompatibility, high mechanical strength, and good self-healing efficiency. This review focuses on the research progress that is being made regarding the mechanical properties and self-healing capabilities of self-healing hydrogels, where we aim to achieve a balance between self-healing performance and mechanical strength. We outline the evaluation methods for assessing self-healing performance, followed by providing a summary of recent advancements in the mechanical strength and self-healing efficiency of external-stimulus-triggered self-healing hydrogels and autonomous self-healing hydrogels. Finally, we address the challenges and prospects for the future development of self-healing hydrogels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biobased Gels for Drugs and Cells)
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