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Functional Hydrogel for Biomedical Applications: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities
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Functional Hydrogel for Biomedical Applications: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2026) | Viewed by 4332

Editor

Dr. Lin Ye

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: hydrogel microsphere; hydrogel carrier; ROS sensitive hydrogel; supramolecular hydrogel; nerve tissue engineering; vascular tissue engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As an important soft material, hydrogels consist of three-dimensional networks with a certain amount of water. Functional hydrogels are engineered materials with specific properties that are suitable for a range of applications. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the field of functional hydrogels. A large number of novel hydrogels have been developed with multiple functions, such as nano/microgels for cell growth and proliferation, hydrogel bioelectronics as biosensors and bio-actuators, thermal/photo/strain-sensitivity for smart drug release and self-healing and injectability for tissue repair and regeneration. This Special Issue focuses on the research progress, challenges and opportunities with respect to functional hydrogels from both fundamental and application aspects. The increasing interest in functional hydrogels may be due to their design and preparation, which often aims to obtain new functions or to improve the quality of existing functions. The raw materials of these hydrogels can be natural or synthetic polymers. To understand the functions of these hydrogels, a structure–property relationship can also be included.

In this Special Issue, original research articles focusing on new synthesis, innovative functionalization, theoretical models of the functional hydrogels and reviews are welcome.

Dr. Lin Ye
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • nano/micro hydrogel sphere
  • conductive hydrogel for nerve tissue engineering
  • sensitive hydrogels such as thermal, pH and ROS responsive hydrogels
  • self-healing hydrogels
  • tough and strong hydrogels for hard tissue repair and regeneration
  • hydrogel sensors and hydrogel actuators for medical applications

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

27 pages, 10673 KB  
Article
Two-Dimensional UVA Dose Mapping Using a TTC-Pluronic F-127 Hydrogel Dosimeter
by Elżbieta Sąsiadek-Andrzejczak and Marek Kozicki
Materials 2026, 19(13), 2757; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19132757 - 29 Jun 2026
Viewed by 345
Abstract
Monitoring ultraviolet (UV) radiation dose distribution is crucial in many fields, like medicine and materials science, but traditional point-of-care methods limit the ability to fully assess the spatial extent of the irradiated surface. This paper presents the characterisation of a two-dimensional (2D) dosimetry [...] Read more.
Monitoring ultraviolet (UV) radiation dose distribution is crucial in many fields, like medicine and materials science, but traditional point-of-care methods limit the ability to fully assess the spatial extent of the irradiated surface. This paper presents the characterisation of a two-dimensional (2D) dosimetry system based on Pluronic F-127 hydrogel matrix doped with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) with respect to exposition to UVA radiation. The hydrogel matrix (25% w/w) provides both high transparency and mechanical stability, while TTC (0.1% w/w) functions as a colour precursor that undergoes irreversible reduction to form water-insoluble red formazan upon UVA exposure. The insolubility of TTC formazan ensures that the resulting colour changes remain spatially stable within the dosimeter. The study included sample preparation in flat PMMA containers and analysis of the effect of radiation field uniformity in a UVP CL-1000 exposure chamber. It was supported by application of Kodak X-Omat 100 NIF UV Film dosimetry. The actual dose distribution in the chamber was shown to be significantly heterogeneous (CV coefficient of variation of approximately 18%), which emphasises the need for 2D dosimeters for precise validation of irradiation devices. The use of flatbed scanning and dedicated image analysis software allowed obtaining precise 2D dose distribution maps. The dosimeter was characterised in the dose range of 0–5000 mJ/cm2, showing a reproducible response (R2 = 0.9967). A resolution test was conducted to assess the precision of geometric representation. In the final stage of the study, the suitability of the developed dosimetry system was verified under conditions simulating heterogeneous UV radiation dose distribution using patterns printed with Computer-to-Film (CtF) technology. The results showed that optical effects in printed films significantly affect UV transmission, limiting accurate dose recording for black coverage above approximately 40–50%. The results obtained confirm that the TTC-Pluronic F-127 system is an effective, simple and low-cost tool for 2D monitoring of UVA radiation, with potential applications in cosmetology, dermatology, and material ageing tests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Hydrogel for Biomedical Applications: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities)
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20 pages, 1736 KB  
Article
An Alginate Hydrogel–Lipid Nanodispersion Bio-Mask: A Preliminary Study of Skin Hydration, Barrier Function, and Regenerative Potential
by Małgorzata Miastkowska, Agnieszka Kulawik-Pióro, Anna Sienkiewicz, Anna Łętocha, Katarzyna Malarz, Anna Mrozek-Wilczkiewicz and Katarzyna Bialik-Wąs
Materials 2026, 19(10), 2108; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19102108 - 17 May 2026
Viewed by 630
Abstract
Laser therapy is commonly associated with transient skin reactions such as erythema and edema, creating a need for effective post-procedural skincare strategies. In this study, we developed and characterized a novel bio-mask that integrates a hydrogel matrix with a lipid nanodispersion system designed [...] Read more.
Laser therapy is commonly associated with transient skin reactions such as erythema and edema, creating a need for effective post-procedural skincare strategies. In this study, we developed and characterized a novel bio-mask that integrates a hydrogel matrix with a lipid nanodispersion system designed to simultaneously deliver hydrophilic and hydrophobic active compounds. The key innovation of this formulation lies in the combination of a highly hydrophilic hydrogel structure with lipid nanoparticles embedded within a polymeric network, enabling enhanced bioavailability of active ingredients. Preliminary observations from instrumental measurements in a small group of healthy volunteers suggest that a single 60 min application resulted in notable improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, along with a reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema, and skin sensitivity. Furthermore, both the complete formulation and its individual components exhibited inhibitory activity against collagen and elastin glycation, while promoting type I procollagen synthesis. Importantly, this study provides new evidence for the synergistic interaction between hydrogel matrices and lipid nanodispersion systems in modulating skin barrier function and biochemical aging markers. The formulation, composed entirely of ingredients of natural origin, proved to be an effective carrier for active compounds and showed measurable benefits for skin hydration and barrier-related parameters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Hydrogel for Biomedical Applications: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities)
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27 pages, 11480 KB  
Article
Design and Characterization of Gelatin-Based Interpenetrating Polymer Networks for Biomedical Use: Rheological, Thermal, and Physicochemical Evaluation
by Roberto Grosso, Fátima Díaz-Carrasco, Elena Vidal-Nogales, M.-Violante de-Paz, M.-Jesús Díaz-Blanco and Elena Benito
Materials 2026, 19(2), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19020289 - 10 Jan 2026
Viewed by 903
Abstract
Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary field that aims to address tissue and organ failure by integrating scientific, engineering, and medial expertise. Gelatin is valued in this field for its biocompatibility; however, it faces thermal and mechanical weaknesses that limit its biomedical utility. This [...] Read more.
Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary field that aims to address tissue and organ failure by integrating scientific, engineering, and medial expertise. Gelatin is valued in this field for its biocompatibility; however, it faces thermal and mechanical weaknesses that limit its biomedical utility. This work proposes a strategy for improving gelatin properties by fabricating semi-interpenetrating polymer networks via in situ Diels–Alder crosslinking within gelatin colloidal solutions. Ten systems with variable polymer concentrations (2–4%) and crosslinking degrees (2–5%) were prepared and characterized. Rheological analysis revealed that elastic modulus, zero-shear viscosity, and complex viscosity were substantially enhanced, being especially dependent on the crosslinking degree, while critical strain values mostly depended on gelatin concentration. The incorporation of a synthetic Diels–Alder-crosslinked network also improved the thermal stability of gelatin hydrogels, particularly at physiological temperatures. Additionally, these systems exhibit favorable buoyancy, swelling and biodegradation profiles. Collectively, the resultant hydrogels are cytocompatible, solid-like, and mechanically robust, allowing for further tunability of their properties for specific biomedical uses, such as injectable matrices, load-bearing scaffolds for tissue repair, and 3D bioinks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Hydrogel for Biomedical Applications: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities)
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26 pages, 6855 KB  
Article
Hydrogel Microarray for Bioanalytical Applications: Preliminary Study on Material Properties
by Weronika Kieres, Sonia Kudłacik-Kramarczyk, Joanna Marczyk, Celina Ziejewska, Anna Drabczyk, Robert P. Socha and Marcel Krzan
Materials 2025, 18(13), 3118; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18133118 - 1 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1618
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop and characterize UV-crosslinked hydrogel matrices based on polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), gum arabic, betaine, and sodium alginate for potential bioanalytical applications. Various physicochemical analyses were performed, including pre-polymerization emulsion stability (Multiscan), FT-IR spectroscopy, swelling behavior [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to develop and characterize UV-crosslinked hydrogel matrices based on polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), gum arabic, betaine, and sodium alginate for potential bioanalytical applications. Various physicochemical analyses were performed, including pre-polymerization emulsion stability (Multiscan), FT-IR spectroscopy, swelling behavior in physiological buffers, pH monitoring, contact angle measurements, and morphological assessment via SEM and optical microscopy. The results demonstrated that both alginate content and UV exposure time significantly influence the structural and functional properties of the hydrogels. The highest swelling ratio (2.32 g/g) was observed for the formulation containing 5% sodium alginate polymerized for 5 min (5SA_5), though this sample showed mechanical fragmentation during incubation. In contrast, the most balanced performance was achieved for the 10SA_15 formulation, which maintained structural integrity and exhibited a swelling ratio of 1.92 g/g after 9 days. The contact angle analysis revealed a surface hydrophilicity range from 50° to 100°, with the lowest angle (50°) recorded for 10SA_5, indicating high surface wettability. These findings confirm the suitability of such hydrogels for biomedical applications, particularly as absorbent, stable platforms for drug delivery or wound healing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Hydrogel for Biomedical Applications: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities)
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