In-Situ Forming and Self-Healing Hydrogels

Dear Colleagues,

In situ forming and self-healing hydrogels have drawn increasing interest for their broad applications. For example, in situ thermo-gelling materials can be injected into a body without surgery, and photoreactive solutions can be used as a bioink for stereolithography 3D printing. Self-healing hydrogels mimic the healing of tissues, recovering structural damages, and functions after being ruptured. Both forming and healing of these hydrogels can be achieved through chemical crosslinking (coupling reaction, coordination bond, oxidation-reduction, cleavable bond, etc.) and/or physical interactions (hydrophobic, electrostatic, host-guest interactions, hydrogen bonding, etc.). Many of such systems also respond to a variety of stimuli such as temperature, light, pH, biomolecules, and chemicals.

This Special Issue will overview recent development on in situ forming and self-healing hydrogels with a wide range of research focuses such as design, synthesis, structures, functions, mechanisms, and applications. Both original articles and reviews are welcome.

Prof. Tomoko Fujiwara
Prof. Yoshinori Takashima
Guest Editors

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