Advances in Biodegradable Polymeric Systems for Skin and Mucosal Applications
A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Chemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 143
Special Issue Editor
Interests: natural polymers; polymeric materials; microparticles; controlled release; encapsulation techniques; jonotropic gelation; hydrogels; solid–solid systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The development of sustainable, high-performance drug delivery platforms represents a major direction in modern chemistry, pharmaceutical technology, and materials science. In recent years, biodegradable polymers have attracted significant attention as environmentally friendly, versatile materials capable of supporting innovative therapeutic strategies. Their application in topical and mucosal dosage forms—including hydrogels, polymeric films, bioadhesive matrices, nanocarriers, microneedle patches, and smart controlled release systems—offers new opportunities in dermatology, cosmetology, regenerative medicine, and localized therapy.
This Special Issue aims to present the latest scientific advances in the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of biodegradable polymers in transdermal and transmucosal delivery systems. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and short communications related to the following topics:
- Design, synthesis, and modification of natural and synthetic biodegradable polymers (e.g., chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid, PLA, PCL, and PLGA).
- Physicochemical, mechanical, and rheological characterization of polymeric materials intended for skin or mucosal application.
- Innovative drug delivery platforms, such as intelligent hydrogel matrices, polymer-based nano-/microparticles, bioadhesive films and coatings, microneedle systems, and responsive materials.
- Controlled and targeted release of active substances, including drugs, peptides, biologically active extracts, and functional cosmetic ingredients.
- Polymer–skin/mucosa interactions, local bioavailability, and mechanisms of permeation or penetration enhancement.
- Biodegradation, biocompatibility, and environmental considerations related to polymeric systems.
- Dermatological, and cosmetic applications of biodegradable polymer-based formulations.
- Use of biodegradable polymers in regenerative medicine, wound healing, protective barriers, and tissue repair.
This Special Issue aims to bring together current achievements in chemistry, biology, pharmaceutical sciences, and materials engineering, providing a platform for interdisciplinary exchange and showcasing innovative approaches to topical and mucosal therapies. We encourage submissions presenting new materials, experimental models (in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo), and forward-looking concepts that integrate chemical design with biomedical application.
Dr. Barbara Jadach
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 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. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2700 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
- biodegradable polymers
- biocompatibility
- skin/mucosa interactions
- hydrogels
- polymeric films
- biomedical application
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
