Multifunctional Hydrogels Based on Natural Polymers
A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Networks and Gels".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 19
Special Issue Editor
Interests: cellulose; lignin; polysaccharides; nanocellulose; hydrogels; aerogels; nanomaterials; biomaterials; drug release; wound dressing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Hydrogels, with their three-dimensional (3D) polymeric structures, can be tailored to various applications, including controlled drug delivery, tissue engineering, wastewater treatment, food packaging, flexible electronics, soft actuators, or soft robotic systems developed through 3D printing. The demand for hydrogels with specific 3D structures and uses in advanced applications has led to a constant increase in their design requirements, regarding the use of certain types of polymers and the achievement of materials with special mechanical properties or with responses to different external stimuli. Concerted research efforts have been made to prepare functional and smart hydrogels, which present biocompatibility, biodegradability, bioadhesion, adjustable mechanical properties, self-healing, shape memory, etc. In this regard, hydrogels based on natural polymers have gained significant attention in recent years due to their unique physicochemical properties, non-toxic nature, similar properties to those of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), and ability to support cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. This Special Issue aims to bring together contributions from experts in this field, covering topics ranging from fundamental advances in hydrogels based on natural polymers to practical applications in various fields. We invite you to submit original research or critical reviews related to any relevant research area for this Special Issue.
Dr. Diana Elena Ciolacu
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- natural polymers
- hydrogels
- biomaterials
- biocompatibility
- drug delivery
- tissue engineering
- wound healing
- 3D bioprinting
- wastewater treatment
- food packaging
- flexible electronics
- soft actuators
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